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What Is Vitiligo?

Source: www.niams.nih.gov
Topic: Vitiligo
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Sort Desciption: An Easy-to-Read Series of Publications for the Public ... Vitiligo (vit-ill-EYE-go) is a disorder in which white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. ...

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What Is Vitiligo? Vitiligo (vit-ill-EYE-go) is a disorder in which white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. This happens because the cells that make pigment (color) in the skin are destroyed. These cells are called melanocytes (ma-LAN-o-sites). Vitiligo can also affect the mucous membranes (such as the tissue inside the mouth and nose) and the eye. What Causes Vitiligo? The cause is not known. Vitiligo may be an autoimmune disease. These diseases happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks some part of your own body. In vitiligo, the immune system may destroy the melanocytes in the skin. It is also possible that one or more genes may make a person more likely to get the disorder. Some researchers think that the melanocytes destroy themselves. Others think that a single event such as sunburn or emotional distress can cause vitiligo. But these events have not been proven to cause vitiligo. Who Is Affected by Vitiligo? In the United States, 1 to 2 million people have the disorder. Most people with vitiligo develop it before their 40th birthday. The disorder affects all races and both sexes equally. People with certain autoimmune diseases (such as hyperthyroidism) are more likely to get vitiligo than people who dont have any autoimmune diseases. Scientists do not know why vitiligo is connected with these diseases. However, most people with vitiligo have no other autoimmune disease. Vitiligo may also run in families. Children whose parents have the disorder are more likely to develop vitiligo. However, most children ...

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