What Is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition in which patches of skin lose their pigment, resulting in smooth, white areas. It can affect any part of the body and often appears symmetrically. The condition occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin color, are destroyed or stop functioning.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is not fully understood, but vitiligo is widely considered an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks melanocytes. Genetics play a role, and a family history of the condition can increase risk. Triggers may include stress, sunburn, or skin injury.
Symptoms and Common Treatments
The main symptom is flat, white patches on the skin, often on the face, hands, and joints. Affected areas may also lose color in hair or eyes. Treatments aim to restore color or even out skin tone and can include topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, and, in some cases, depigmentation. For more details on diagnosis and management, visit the American Academy of Dermatology.
