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February 10, 2012

Vitiligo (cont.)

Where can people find more information about vitiligo?

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Information Clearinghouse
National Institutes of Health

1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
Phone: 301-495-4484
Toll Free: 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267)
TTY: 301-565-2966
Fax: 301-718-6366
Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
Web site: http://www.niams.nih.gov

Other Resources

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

Web site: http://www.aad.org

American Vitiligo Research Foundation

Web site: http://www.avrf.org

National Vitiligo Foundation, Inc. (NVF)

Web site: http://www.nvfi.org

Vitiligo Support International

Web site: http://www.vitiligosupport.org

Vitiligo At A Glance
  • Vitiligo is a common condition affecting 1%-2% of people worldwide.
  • Vitiligo is usually visible as a patch of white depigmented skin.
  • The cells that normally produce skin pigment (melanocytes) are destroyed by vitiligo.
  • The hair in areas affected by vitiligo may also turn white.
  • The tendency to vitiligo is associated with autoimmune disease.
  • A number of genetic diseases are also associated with vitiligo.
  • The white skin patches can progressively spread to several areas of the body.
  • There are established medical and experimental surgical treatments for vitiligo.

SOURCE:

National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases


Last Editorial Review: 8/1/2010


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