What is Vitiligo?

About Vitiligo:

• It is a chronic skin disorder that occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, are destroyed.
• This condition arises due to the malfunction or destruction of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour.
• Those affected develop depigmented patches that may occur anywhere on the body, including the skin, hair, and even the lining of the mouth.
• While the precise cause of vitiligo remains unclear, research suggests it could result from a combination of autoimmune responses, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors.
  • In autoimmune cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks its melanocytes, leading to a gradual loss of pigmentation.
  • The condition often begins with small white patches, which may slowly expand over time. Dermatologists point out that potential triggers could include oxidative stress, physical trauma, severe sunburn, or chemical exposure.
• It can develop at any age, though it is most common before the age of 30.
• The disease affects between 0.5 per cent and 2 per cent of the global population, with estimates suggesting that up to 100 million people worldwide live with the condition. It affects both men and women equally.
• Treatment:
  • At present, vitiligo does not have a permanent cure.
  • However, several treatments aim to manage symptoms and restore skin pigmentation.
  • Options include topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and phototherapy, which work to slow depigmentation and encourage the regeneration of melanocytes. 

Q1: What is Melanin?

It is a substance in your body that produces hair, eye and skin pigmentation. The more melanin you produce, the darker your eyes, hair and skin will be. The amount of melanin in your body depends on a few different factors, including genetics and how much sun exposure your ancestral population had.

Source: Kannada film ‘Bili Chukki, Halli Hakki’ draws attention to vitiligo, a disease shrouded in myth and stigma