Don’t fight Vitiligo alone.
Find your community on the free RareGuru App.Vitiligo is a relatively common pigmentation disorder in which the skin's pigment-making cells (melanocytes) are lost or destroyed. As a result, well- defined white patches appear on the skin. Patches may occur on one section or all over the body and may join together (coalesce). Some people also have loss of pigment in patches of hair on the head or body. Vitiligo tends to continue over time, causing larger areas of skin to lose pigment. It may begin at any age but the average age of onset is in the mid-twenties. Vitiligo does not affect physical health, but concerns about appearance and ethnic identity can lead to serious psychological, social, and emotional difficulties, significantly impacting quality of life.
The specific cause of vitiligo is not known. Many people with vitiligo also have a personal or family history of autoimmune disease, suggesting that vitiligo has an autoimmune cause. It sometimes "runs in families," suggesting that genetics may play a role. People with vitiligo often report that its onset was related to a specific triggering event, such as injury, illness, sunburn, emotional stress, or pregnancy. However, there are currently no data supporting that these factors cause vitiligo.
There is no cure for vitiligo, but available treatments may stop its progression and induce varying degrees of re-pigmentation. Treatment options vary depending on severity and preference and may include topical, systemic, and/or light-based therapies. A combination of therapies is usually more effective than a single therapy. Despite the availability of treatment, the course of the condition and response to treatment are unpredictable.
Source: GARD Last updated on 05-01-20
Vitiligo sometimes "runs in families," suggesting a genetic basis. However, in these families, the inheritance appears to be multifactorial, involving the interaction between multiple genes and unidentified environmental factors or triggers. This means that it is not possible to predict the chance that other family members might develop vitiligo. About 25% to 50% of people with vitiligo have a relative with vitiligo, and about 6% have siblings with vitiligo.
Last updated on 05-01-20
The Centers for Mendelian Genomics program is working to discover the causes of rare genetic disorders. For more information about applying to the research study, please visit their website.
Last updated on 04-27-20
The Autoimmune Registry supports research for Vitiligo by collecting information about patients with this and other autoimmune diseases. You can join the registry to share your information with researchers and receive updates about participating in new research studies. Learn more about registries.
Last updated on 04-27-20
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases, the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research, and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
Last updated on 04-27-20
DermNet New Zealand is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.
Last updated on 04-27-20
The American Academy of Dermatology offers information on Vitiligo
Last updated on 04-27-20
TeensHealth from Nemours has an information page on Vitiligo. Click on the link to access this resource.
Last updated on 04-27-20
Do you have information about a disease, disorder, or syndrome? Want to suggest a symptom?
Please send suggestions to RareGuru!