What is Vitiligo: Causes, Nature and Treatment

Context: Vitiligo has gained attention for efforts to raise awareness, dispel harmful myths, and promote inclusion and dignity for those affected, ahead of World Vitiligo Day (June 25).

What is Vitiligo?

• A condition that causes loss of skin color in patches.
• Can affect any part of the body, including hands, face, feet, forearms, and inside of the mouth.
• May also affect hair, causing white or grey patches.
• Patches tend to enlarge over time.

Causes

• Caused by the destruction of melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) by the immune system.
• Melanin is the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color.
• About 30% of cases are genetic.
• The exact cause remains under research.

Who is Affected?

• Affects all races and genders equally.
• More visibly noticeable in people with darker skin tones.
• Affects around 1% of the global population.

Nature of the Condition

• Not life-threatening.
• Not contagious.
• Mostly a cosmetic and psychological concern due to social stigma.

Treatment

• No permanent cure.
• Treatment may help restore skin color in some cases.
• Does not stop progression or prevent recurrence.

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