What Causes Vitiligo and what are the Effects?
It is difficult to confirm the actual causes of vitiligo as the pathogenesis of the disease is not completely understood. However, the disease is mostly associated with auto-immune disease and over active response of immune system to be the major reason for the impairment of melanocytes and occurance of white patches. The researches also suggest genetics to be the reason for triggering Vitiligo. Environmental factors such as contact with chemicals, sun burn or mental/ physical stress is also observed as the causes of vitiligo...
Vitiligo as such does not have any lethal effects however it has a great impact on person’s personality and it is also noticed to be a main reason for causing depression due to cosmetic reasons.
The pigmentation of the skin is caused by the pigment melanin which is produced by melanocytes in the skin cells. When these skin cells (melanocytes) are destroyed the result is white patches of skin. This may also affect the hair that grows in an area affected by Vitiligo causing it to grow white. The cause of these white patches of skin or hair is that in these particular areas the skin cells are not producing melanin. Vitiligo affects both genders and people of all races. There has been a common factor identified in which people have auto immune disorders. The auto immune disorder causes the person’s own immune system to fight against its own body and organs. Heredity has not been determined to be a risk factor in this disorder. Vitiligo is not contagious. Many people who suffer with Vitiligo also have an increased risk of depression and emotional disorders. They can develop withdrawal and suffer psychological trauma from the appearance of the disorder.
