Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder affecting 1-4% of the world population with equal distribution in both genders and all ethnic groups [1–3].
However, for many people with vitiligo, the white patches begin to appear before age 20, and can start in early childhood. Vitiligo seems to be more common in people who have a family history of the disorder or who have certain autoimmune diseases, including: Addison's disease. Pernicious anemia.
Vitiligo affects people of all races and genders equally, though it's usually most noticeable in people with darker skin because of the contrast between the depigmented skin and the unaffected skin.
Vitiligo affects all races and sexes equally. It's more visible in people with darker skin tones. Although vitiligo can develop in anyone at any age, macules or patches usually become apparent before age 30.
The global prevalence of vitiligo ranges from 0.5% to 2% of the population; most studies report a prevalence of ≤0.6%. Prevalence rates vary geographically and are often higher in Africa and India.
Mixed type vitiligo is a rare type of vitiligo. People with this type develop both segmental vitiligo and color loss beyond the area with segmental vitiligo.
However, it is not a rule that children of vitiligo parents will always have vitiligo. Relatively, the chance of the offspring having vitiligo may be somewhat higher if one or more of the parents have vitiligo. Vitiligo does not spread by touch or contact. It does not affect marriage life or physical relationship.
Triggers. It's possible that vitiligo may be triggered by particular events, such as: stressful events, such as childbirth. skin damage, such as severe sunburn or cuts (this is known as the Koebner response) hormonal changes to the body, such as puberty.
Vitiligo sometimes runs in families, but the inheritance pattern is complex because multiple causative factors are involved. About one-fifth of people with this condition have at least one close relative who is also affected.
The disease does not affect life expectancy. However, it can have a significant impact on quality of life, especially psychologically and be responsible for disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Vitiligo is believed to be an acquired condition, though a positive family history is seen in 30 to 40 percent of cases. Few cases of vitiligo at birth have been reported.
Evidence suggests it may have a genetic component. Approximately 25 percent to 50 percent of those with vitiligo also have a relative with vitiligo, while 6 percent may have a sibling who has it as well.
Others think it is a genetic condition, as affected kids often have a family member who also has it. What is known is that the risk of developing vitiligo increases in kids with a family or personal history of thyroid disease, diabetes, and certain conditions like alopecia (an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss).
In general, it can be concluded that women with vitiligo had a higher risk of miscarriages. However, vitiligo showed either stabilization or even improvement of during pregnancy.
Based on our findings, patients with vitiligo have a high incidence of vitamin D deficiency, and this deficiency is more common among females than males.
Some people lose color in areas called mucous membranes, which includes the inside of the mouth or nose and the genitals. Vitiligo can also affect the hair, causing white or prematurely gray hair.
In conclusion, the findings from this study indicate that vitiligo patients have high levels of perceived stress. In patients predisposed to vitiligo, metabolic and psychological stress might influence the onset and progression of vitiligo.
In this study, in which clinical features and se- men analysis results were evaluated in patients with vitiligo, the FT4 value was lower in patients with vitiligo compared with the control group. Also, sperm concentration, A + B motility, and morphology were statistically significantly lower in the vitiligo group.
Vitiligo is not contagious
It cannot be transmitted via touch, saliva, blood, inhalation, sexual intercourse or by sharing of personal items like water bottle, bath towels, swimming pool, etc. Some people also believe that they can get Vitiligo by patting dogs with white spots on their head!
What color does vitiligo make your eyes? The melanocytes (pigment cells) produced in your iris determine the color of your eyes. If vitiligo affects these melanocytes, you might notice a sudden shift in eye color. The exact color can vary by person but may look gray or lighter than your regular eye color.
Vitiligo can start at any age, but usually appears before age 30. Depending on the type of vitiligo you have, it may affect: Nearly all skin surfaces. With this type, called universal vitiligo, the discoloration affects nearly all skin surfaces.
As with any type of skin condition visible for the world to see, vitiligo can be difficult to live with. Many diagnosed with the disorder suffer from low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Having the information and some tools available may help you gain some control over vitiligo.