Vitiligo is a condition in which white patches develop on the skin. Any
location on the body can be affected, and most people with vitiligo have white
patches in many areas of the body.
Melanin is the pigment that gives the skin its characteristic color. Vitiligo
is caused by a loss of pigment in the skin, due to destruction of
pigment-forming cells known as melanocytes. Although vitiligo affects all races
equally, it is more noticeable in dark-skinned people. Vitiligo can cause
cosmetic problems.
Vitiligo affects 1-2% of the American population, and it is estimated that 2 to 4 million Americans have the condition. In most cases, vitiligo develops
early in life, between the ages of 10 and 30 years. Ninety-five percent of
those affected will develop the disorder before age 40. Both men and women are
equally likely to develop vitiligo. Vitiligo may run in families; those with a
family history of
vitiligo or premature graying of the hair are at increased risk for the
development of vitiligo. Other risk factors that increase one's chances of
developing vitiligo include having autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune
thyroid disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis).
Vitiligo symptoms include an often rapid pigment loss in
several areas of the skin. The initial appearance of the white patches can be
followed by a stable period without any progression of the condition.
Vitiligo (pronounced vit-ill-EYE-go) is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes
(the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white
patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body. Similar patches also
appear on both the mucous membranes (tissues that line the inside of the mouth
and nose) and the retina (inner layer of the eyeball). The hair that grows on
areas affected by vitiligo sometimes turns white.
The cause of vitiligo is not known, but doctors and researchers have several
different theories. There is strong evidence that people with vitiligo inherit a
group of three genes that make them susceptible to depigmentation. The most
widely accepted view is that the depigmentation occurs because vitiligo is an
autoimmune disease -- a disease in which a person's immune system reacts against
the body's own organs or tissues. People's bodies produce proteins
called cytokines that, in vitiligo, alter their pigment-producing cells and cause these cells
to die. Another theory is that melanocytes destroy themselves. Finally, some
people have reported that a single event such as sunburn or emotional distress
triggered vitiligo; however, these events have not been scientifically proven as
causes of vitiligo.
Who is affected by vitiligo?
About 0.5 to 1 percent of the world's population, or as many as 65 million
people, have vitiligo. In the United States, 1 to 2 million people have the
disorder. Half the people who have vitiligo develop it before age 20; most
develop it before their 40th birthday. The disorder affects both sexes and all
races equally; however, it is more noticeable in people with dark skin.
Vitiligo seems to be somewhat more common in people with certain autoimmune
diseases, including hyperthyroidism (an overactive
thyroid gland), adrenocortical insufficiency (the adrenal gland does not produce
enough of the hormone called corticosteroid), alopecia areata (patches of
baldness), and pernicious anemia (a low level of red blood cells caused by the
failure of the body to absorb vitamin B12). Scientists do not know the reason
for the association between vitiligo and these autoimmune diseases. However,
most people with vitiligo have no other autoimmune disease.
Vitiligo may also be hereditary; that is, it can run in families. Children
whose parents have the disorder are more likely to develop vitiligo. In fact, 30
percent of people with vitiligo have a family member with the disease. However,
only 5 to 7 percent of children will get vitiligo even if a parent has it, and
most people with vitiligo do not have a family history of the disorder.
Hyperthyroidism is an excess of thyroid hormone resulting from an overactive thyroid gland. Symptoms can include increased heart rate, weight
loss, depression, and cognitive slowing. Treatment is by medication, the use of
radioactive iodine, thyroid surgery, or reducing the dose of thyroid hormone.
Stress occurs when forces from the outside world impinge on the individual. Stress is a normal part of life. However, over-stress, can be harmful. There is now speculation, as well as some evidence, that points to the abnormal stress responses as being involved in causing various diseases or conditions.
Addison disease is a hormonal (endocrine) disorder involving destruction of the adrenal glands (small glands adjacent to the kidneys). Diseased glands can no longer produce sufficient adrenal hormones (specifically cortisol) necessary for normal daily body functions. Symptoms include weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and sometimes darkening of the skin. Treatment of Addison disease involves replacing, or substituting, the hormones that the adrenal glands are not making.
Tinea versicolor is a fungus infection that mainly affects the skin of young people. Recognized by light or reddish brown spots, and areas lighter than the surrounding skin. Tinea versicolor is caused by yeast actually found in our skin. Factors like heat, humidity, and sweat help it proliferate in people, resulting in a rash that is not contagious to others.
Pernicious anemia is a blood disorder in which the body does not make enough red blood cells due to a lack of vitamin B12 in the blood. Pernicious anemia can develop from a lack of a protein that helps the body absorb vitamin B12, not getting enough B12 in the diet, and certain intestinal conditions that interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 such as Crohn's disease, celiac sprue, or ulcerative colitis. There is no cure for pernicious anemia, thus treatment is life-long.
Alopecia areata is a condition that causes hair loss on the scalp and sometimes other parts of the body. It is believed to be caused by an abnormality of the immune system that causes the body's immune system to attack the hair follicles. Typically, hair regrows within a year without treatment. Steroid injections, creams, and shampoos may be used during treatment.
Birthmarks and other abnormal skin pigmentation is caused by the body's inability to produce enough melanin. Abnormal skin pigmentation can cause conditions such as vitiligo, pigmentation loss, melasma, albinism, port wine stains, macular stains and hemangioma.
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. Some of the symptoms of Graves' disease include hand tremors, rapid heartbeat, trouble sleeping, enlarged thyroid, thinning of the skin or fine brittle hair. Causes of Graves' disease are thought to be multifactorial such as genes, gender, stress, and infection. Treatment for Graves' disease is generally medication.
Uveitis is inflammation of the eye. Symptoms include blurred vision, eye pain, eye redness, and floating spots before the eyes. Treatment may involve prescription eyedrops, antibiotics, and wearing dark glasses.
Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV rays can also damage the eyes. Repeated overexposure to UV rays also increases the risk for scarring, freckles, wrinkles, and dry skin. Symptoms of sunburn include painful, red, tender, and hot skin. The skin may blister, swell, and peel. Sun poisoning (severe sunburn) include nausea, fever, chills, rapid pulse, dizziness and more. Treatment for sunburn depends upon the severity. Sun protection and sunscreen for an individual's skin type is recommended to decrease the chance of sunburn.
Stiff-Person syndrome is a neurological disorder associated with features of an autoimmune disease. Signs and symptoms of Stiff-Person syndrome include a heightened sensitivity to stimuli (noise, touch, emotional distress) and fluctuating muscle rigidity of the trunk and limbs. Conditions associated with Stiff-Person syndrome include thyroiditis, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, and diabetes. Treatment for Stiff-Person syndrome is generally medication to control symptoms.
Parry-Romberg syndrome is a rare disorder that is characterized by a slow progressive atrophy of the skin and soft tissues of half of the face. The facial changes generally begin between the ages of 5 and 15 years. There is no treatment or cure for Parry-Romberg syndrome.
Tinea versicolor is a common infection of healthy people caused by a fungus that is commonly found on normal human skin.
There seems to be a genetic predisposition to develop tinea versicolor, the nature of which is poorly understood.
Tinea versicolor is easily identified under the microscope.
Treatment of tinea versicolor is often effective, but recurrence is common.
What is tinea versicolor? What are symptoms
and signs of tinea versicolor?
Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the skin that often affects adolescents and young adults. The term versicolor refers to the fact that it causes the affected skin to change color and become either lighter or darker than surrounding skin. The most common areas it affects are the shoulders, back, and chest. At times, it can affect folds of skin, such as the crook of the arm, the skin under the breasts, or...
Vitiligo is a condition in which white patches develop on the skin. Any
location on the body can be affected, and most people with vitiligo have white
patches in many areas of the body.
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