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What is it?
Vitiligo (also called "leukoderma") is a skin condition in which there is loss of pigment from areas of the skin resulting in irregular white spots or patches, even though the skin has normal texture. Vitiligo may appear at any age. Although it is a progressive condition, many people experience years or decades without developing new spots. The cause of vitiligo is not greatly understood, and there may be many causes that result in the condition.
Vitiligo is not contagious in any way. The precise cause of Vitiligo is not well-understood, though researchers are getting closer to knowing more. Many experts believe that vitiligo is the result of one or a combination of genetic, immunologic, biochemical and neurogenic factors. Susceptibility to vitiligo may be genetic, as it is often, though not always, seen in families. It is thought by many experts that Vitiligo is an autoimmune related disorder, meaning a condition in which the body's immune system turns on its own tissue or cells, in this case, the melanocytes (pigment cells which give the skin its color.) This does not necessarily represent a weak or deficient immune system, but one which may be malfunctioning or misdirected. Other research has centered on vitamin deficiencies, and internal pathogens. Though the condition has no other known effects on the body, the psychological and social effects are well documented. New research has suggested that too much hydrogen peroxide in the skin of those with vitiligo may be a cause in some, but not all cases. Called "oxidative stress," it is felt that people with vitiligo may not have the proper enzyme (or enough of it) to break down hydrogen peroxide, which naturally accumulates in the skin.
Vitiligo is more noticeable in darker skinned people because of the contrast, although when they tan, even lighter skinned people are affected. This condition affects about 1% to 2% of the US population, or about 3 to 6 million people. In some countries, the incidence is even higher. Worldwide, there are thought to be more than 100 million people with the condition. Vitiligo would appear to be as old as the recorded history of man - it is mentioned in the Bible, and there are references to it in ancient Egyptian, Greek and Chinese writings.
For years, many dermatologists have told their patients that vitiligo is untreatable, or have offered only limited treatments such as steroid creams or PUVA. Some are so bold as to inform their patients "You're lucky it's not fatal. or "You're lucky you don't have cancer." And while it's true the condition is not fatal or physically debilitating, this is of little consolation to most sufferers. Many doctors are equipped only to prescribe the PUVA system (Ultra Violet A light treatments and psoralen medication), and although still appropriate and effective for some patients, new and promising technologies such as Protopic ointment, Elidel Cream, Narrow Band UVB light, pseudocatalase, pigment transplantation, excimer lasers, and other procedures, are showing equal or better success. More and more doctors are becoming aware of the great promise seen in new technologies being developed around the world to treat vitiligo.
Today, vitiligo is a treatable condition, though treatment can take two years or longer to regain pigment. There is more research being conducted than ever before; in Europe, in Asia, and in the U.S., new technologies and research are changing physicians' approaches to the condition. The recent mapping of the human genome has paved the way for advanced genetic research into vitiligo, and other cell-based theories are also gaining attention.
Many experts believe that with genetic and biomedical technology improving as they are, that within the next few years, we will see a greater understanding of vitiligo, as well as faster and more reliable treatments for this, and other autoimmune conditions.
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