If you're one of the visitors who don't have Vitiligo but are interested, 
you're probably wondering what Vitiligo is.

Vitiligo is a skin condition in which white patches appear on certain areas 
of the body due to the loss of skin pigment. This pigment is called melanin. 
Melanin is produced in cells called melanocytes and determines the color of
your skin, eyes, and hair.



There are four types of Vitiligo:

Segmental Vitiligo - Vitiligo developed in one or a few limited areas of
the body.

Generalized Vitiligo - Vitiligo developed with bilateral characteristics
(symmetry).

Focal Vitiligo - Discrete form of Vitiligo; usually a single white patch
or a small set of patches in an isolated region.

Universal Vitiligo - Vitiligo patches developed all over the body.




Okay, time for some interactivity. Here is a picture of my legs (one with
Vitiligo and one without). Based on the above information, what kind of
Vitiligo do I have? (highlight the area below to find out!)

[Based on this information, I have Segmental Vitiligo.]

If you have Vitiligo, try this activity and tell us your results at the
forum! *Note: This activity does not and should not replace an actual
doctor's diagnosis.

Now we know what defines the Vitiligo skin condition. It is the result of the 
disappearance of our skin's melanocytes... But what causes the loss of our 
precious skin pigment? No one knows! That's what makes Vitiligo such an enigma.

There are four main theories, however, that exist to explain the possible
causes for disappearing melanocytes (from the American Academy of Dermatology):


Abnormally functioning nerve cells may make toxic substances that injure
melanocytes.

The body's immune system may destroy melanocytes. Researchers think pigment
may be destroyed as the body responds to a substance it percieves as foreign.
(This theory would make Vitiligo an "autoimmunal" disease--the immune system
'thinks' your own body's cells are foreign cells and attacks them).

Pigment-producing cells may self-destruct. While pigment is forming, toxic
byproducts could be produced and destroy melanocytes.

There is a genetic defect that makes the melanocytes susceptible to injury.


IMPORTANT:

Studies have shown that people with un-treated Vitiligo suffer social
stigmatization and tend to avoid certain activities for fear of negative
reactions from others. They tend not to function or develop to their full
potential at work and/or at school because of social rejection. It is very
important to be fully supportive and accepting with Vitiligo patients.

      

Statistics and Facts

About 1-2% of the world's population have Vitiligo.
In the US, 2-5 million people have Vitiligo.
Vitiligo affects all races and both sexes equally.
References to Vitiligo patches are mentioned in the bible and in
ancient Chinese and Greek writings. (This evidence suggests that
Vitiligo has existed at least as long as the recorded history of man.)
95% of people who have Vitiligo develop it before the age of 40.
Vitiligo is NOT contagious. In order to develop Vitiligo, one 
must be genetically susceptible--and even then, there is a chance 
it won't develop at all.