Vitiligo is white skin spots caused by the loss of the pigment that gives color to the skin. Any part of the body can be involved, often the body is symmetrical. The most common areas of involvement are the face, lips, hands, arms, legs and genitals.
Who Gets Vitiligo?
Vitiligo incidence It is 1-2%. 50% of cases are under 20 years of age. In 20%of cases, family members also have a history of Vitiligo. Vitiligo cases generally do not have any health problems other than spots on the skin.
What Gives the Skin its Color?
Melanin is the pigment that determines the color of skin, hair and eyes. It is produced by cells called melanocytes. If these cells die or cannot produce melanin, the skin becomes lighter or completely white.
What is the Cause of Vitiligo?
The reason for the loss of melanocytes in the skin or the production of pigment is not fully known. .
How Does Vitiligo Develop?
The extent of color loss and the area of ​​involvement are different in each case. Light-skinned people usually notice the color difference with tanning after sunbathing, and the symptoms of vitiligo when the difference between the affected area and the normal skin color becomes apparent.
Vitiligo spots appear suddenly. Then it is a period of rest for a certain period of time; and then sudden pigment loss occurs again. In some cases, the pigment returns on its own after a while.
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