White Patches on Skin - Vitiligo

White patches on skin are a characteristic symptom of vitiligo, a skin disorder that causes the destruction and/or malfunction of the pigment-producing cells. Often these patches are present on the body parts that are most exposed to the sun, such as the arms, hands, legs, feet and face. White patches can also occur at the navel, armpits and genital region. In addition, persons with vitiligo typically exhibit early greying of the hair. It is estimated that 1% of the USA's population have vitiligo, and in total around 100 million people worldwide suffer from this condition.

It is still not known for sure what causes vitiligo. The main theory is that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, which results in the body's immune system attacking the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). In fact, people with another autoimmune disease such as hyperthyroidism and adrenocortical insufficiency are more likely to suffer from vitiligo. Some researchers also believe that events such as severe sunburn, certain medications, and emotional stress can trigger vitiligo. In addition, there appears to be a genetic component as well.

Vitiligo FAQ

What is Vitiligo? Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by loss of pigment; this results in white patches appearing on the skin and mucus membranes.

Who Is At Risk Of Developing Vitiligo? Anyone can develop vitiligo and both genders have an equal chance of getting vitiligo. All races exhibit a similar prevalence of this condition. However, you are more likely of developing vitiligo if a parent has it, if you or someone in your family has an autoimmune condition (such as hyperthyroidism), and if you experienced graying of hair before the age of 35.

What Is The Prevalence of Vitiligo? Vitiligo affects 1 to 2% of the population worldwide and it is estimated that between two to five million Americans have the condition. Generally, vitiligo develops between the ages of 10 to 30.

What Causes Vitiligo? The symptoms of vitiligo arise because the melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment which gives the skin its color) are either destroyed or stop functioning. What causes this to happen is still debatable - it may be the result of an autoimmune reaction, genetics, or possibly an event such as sunburn or emotional stress.

Natural Vitiligo Treatment - The Vitiligo Cure That Doctors Don't Want You To Discover

Vitiligo is a skin disorder that causes white patches of skin to appear on different parts of the body. Common areas include the body parts most exposed to the sun (such as the hands, face and feet) as well as areas such as the armpits and the genital region. The patches tend to spread, sometimes very slowly over a number of years and sometimes in a matter of days.

Vitiligo affects about 100 million people worldwide. In the United States and Europe, the prevalence is estimated to be about 1% of the population. It affects all races and both genders equally.

Medical treatments for vitiligo are notoriously expensive, ineffective and associated with a high risk of side effects. Unfortunately, this people with this condition are often desperate for a cure, and are willing to pay any price tag, even when they are told about the problems and limitations of the therapies. Every year, the pharmaceutical industry keeps coming up with new, more expensive and still ineffective therapies. And, the profits for the industry keep increasing…

Vitiligo Treatment

Vitiligo is a skin disorder affecting about 100 million persons worldwide. It is characterized by white patches of skin on different areas of the body, caused by a destruction of the melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells. Current medical treatment for vitiligo includes medications and surgery. Unfortunately, all treatments are notoriously ineffective, associated with a high risk of side effects and are often unaffordable for most people.

Medical Treatments

Medical treatments include topical steroid therapy, psoralen photochemotherapy, and depigmentation therapy.

In topical steroid therapy, you are required to use steroid creams on the white patches of the skin, and this is supposed to help the skin re-pigment itself. Doctors recommend that you use these creams at least for 3 months before any improvement can be expected to be seen. However, these creams are associated with a number of side effects and are not generally recommended for children or for patches of white skin occurring on the face, armpits or genital region.

What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a skin disorder that causes patches of white skin to appear on different parts of the body.  It can occur in anyone, and affects all races and both genders equally. Worldwide, about 100 million people suffer from this condition and its prevalence in the United States is estimated to be around 1%.

What Cases Vitiligo?

In vitiligo, the cells responsible for giving the skin's its color (the melanocytes) are destroyed, hence the appearance of white patches. There may be several factors that can cause these cells to be destroyed, and sometimes the exact cause is unknown. It is believed that vitiligo may be an autoimmune disease, which causes the immune system to start attacking the melanocytes. It can also arise due to a disorder in the melanocytes themselves, causing them to trigger pathways that result in 'cell suicide'. Some researchers also believe that sunburn and chronic stress can cause vitiligo.