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What is Vitiligo? 

Vitiligo is a skin condition where patches of skin lose their natural colour and become white or much lighter than the surrounding area. This occurs because cells that produce skin pigment, called melanocytes, are destroyed. It can affect anyone, but is usually more noticeable in people with darker skin.

Vitiligo may appear anywhere on the body, including areas with hair that may also become white. It impacts both men and women equally and can start at any age, though it often first shows up before the age of 30.

There are various types of Vitiligo:

• Generalised Vitiligo: This is the most prevalent kind of Vitiligo. It causes patches to appear throughout the body.
• Segmental Vitiligo: This particular type affects just one side of the body or one region, like the hands or face.
• Mucosal Vitiligo: It impacts mucous membranes - the moist linings of the mouth, nose and genitals.
• Focal Vitiligo: In this rare form, white patches develop in a small, specific area and do not spread in the usual pattern.
• Trichrome Vitiligo: This type forms a bullseye pattern, with a white or colourless centre, surrounded by a lighter area and then normal skin tone.
• Universal Vitiligo: This rare type results in loss of pigment in over 80% of the skin.

The real cause of Vitiligo remains unknown, although it's believed to be an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys good melanocytes. Genetics may also be involved, since Vitiligo can run in families.

Vitiligo is not painful but the patches can be sensitive to the sun. Individuals with Vitiligo should protect their skin and ask for guidance from Ayurvedic physicians to better manage the condition.

Common Causes of Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a condition where the skin loses its natural pigment in patches. Understanding the causes of Vitiligo might help manage the condition effectively. While the root cause of Vitiligo isn't entirely understood, several factors are known to contribute to the development of this condition.

The most common Vitiligo causes include:

• Autoimmune response: The most recognised theory is that Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition. The immune system mistakenly attacks the melanocytes (cells responsible for skin colour), leading to pigment loss.
• Genetic factors: Vitiligo tends to run in families and may have a genetic component. A family history of Vitiligo or other autoimmune conditions increases the chance of developing it.
• Neurogenic factors: Researchers also believe that substances toxic to melanocytes may be released at nerve endings in the skin. This neurochemical destruction may cause pigment loss.
• Self-destruction: There is also a theory that melanocytes may destroy themselves because of an imbalance or malfunction in their structure.
• Stress: Physical or emotional stress may also cause or worsen Vitiligo. Stressful events may stimulate the immune system or upset the hormonal balance and trigger Vitiligo onset.
• Sunburn or skin trauma: Skin injuries like severe sunburn or cuts can lead to development of Vitiligo patches (Koebner phenomenon).

Chemical exposures: Contact with common chemicals used in the workplace or in products can cause Vitiligo. These chemicals could affect melanin production in the skin.