Vitiligo is a skin disorder in which white patches of skin appear on certain parts of the body. It occurs because skin cells called melanocytes that make pigment are destroyed. Not only is vitiligo a skin concern, but it can affect the eye and mucous membranes as well.
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There is no one cause of vitiligo, but a lot of medical professionals assume that it is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases happen when the immune system attacks some parts that are not a threat to the whole body. It is also believed that the disorder can be genetically transmitted.
A lot of patients develop vitiligo in their twenties, but it can occur in different ages. It equally affects people of different races and sexes, but it is more noticeable in people with darker skin tone.
The main sign of vitiligo are the white skin patches. It can be on the face, lips, arms, or feet. People with vitiligo also grow grey hair earlier than others.
Patients who have vitiligo may feel self-conscious about their appearance. Fortunately, several treatments can help reduce the visibility of vitiligo.
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Dr. Kenneth M. Reed is a board-certified dermatologist with years of experience in the medical field. He is the founder of DermASAP, a clinic that provides quality skin care solutions for patients who have vitiligo and other related disorders. Learn more about Dr. Reed and DermASAP by visiting this website.
