Vitiligo
Skin condition where patches lose pigment / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Vitiligo (/ˌvɪtɪˈlaɪɡoʊ/) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color.[1] The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but it may be related to immune system changes, genetic factors, stress, or sun exposure.[5][6] Treatment options include topical medications, light therapy, surgery and cosmetics.[6] The condition can show up on any skin type as a light peachy color and can appear on any place on the body in all sizes. The spots on the skin known as vitiligo are also able to “change” as spots lose and regain pigment; they will stay in relatively the same areas but can move over time and some big patches can move through the years but never disappear overnight.
Vitiligo | |
---|---|
Non-segmental vitiligo of the hand | |
Pronunciation | |
Specialty | Dermatology Immunology |
Symptoms | Patches of white skin[1] |
Usual onset | Childhood, young adult[1] |
Duration | Long term[1] |
Causes | Unknown[2] |
Risk factors | Family history, other autoimmune diseases[3] |
Diagnostic method | Tissue biopsy[3] |
Treatment | Sunscreen, makeup, topical corticosteroids, phototherapy[2][3] |
Frequency | 1% of people[4] |