Vitiligo a pigmentation problem in skin which is characterized by white spots on skin. These white spots may appear any place on skin but more probably these appear on open parts like face, neck, elbows, wrists, eyelids and foot, this shows that sun light or other environmental factors have some relation with this pigmentation disorder. The depigmentation in skin is not related to a specific region but is a universal skin condition and its victim is all nations across the globe. It affects all races and both gender equally.
Pigmentation
Pigmentation is a process in skin which responsible for skin color and protect skin from harmful effects of ultra violet radiation from sun. It is quality of melanin (pigmenting substance in skin) that it can absorb uv light and minimize its negative effects.
Pigmentation is an important characteristic of the skin. And due to anomaly in this process may leads to different skin disease or conditions. General terms used for the abnormalities in the pigmentation are termed as hyper-pigmentation and hypo-pigmentation or depigmentation.
Depigmentation
All the skin condition in which a deficiency of melanin take place came under the hood of depigmentation. Except albinism it is rare that all the body got depigmentation in skin but it affects some parts while other remain rich with pigment. White spots on skin are the sign of depigmentation on that skin’s part.
Vitiligo a common Depigmentation
Vitiligo is not an transmittable disease from one patient to other which occurs due to the germs attacks. And it not causes in weakness in body of patients. Most of the affected population with vitiligo are in good condition overall.
Vitiligo is a common skin condition and 50% of the patients get it before the age of 20 and 20% of those have a family background with same pathology.
I think some words about melanin and the term pigmentation is necessary while discussing about vitiligo.
Depigmentation and Melanin a Substance
Special skin cells Melanocytes produce a brownish substance called melanin, determination of skin color is a common characteristic of melanin. Problems in melanocytes like if these cells die or are altered then skin become white due to the lack of melanin.
On other hand excessive production of melanin in skin is also not better and causes some skin problems generally termed as hyper-pigmentation.
What are the causes of Depigmentaion
The real causes of vitiligo are not fully known to any one. However dermatologist presented some theories about it among them auto-immunity and inheritance are on the top.
Modern research has been rejected some older concepts like drinking milk after fish meal may cause vitiligo.
Auto-immunity:
1. certain nerve cells perform an abnormal functioning of produce a toxic substance, which damage melanocytes cells.
2. Due to some toxic products in skin Self destruction of the pigmentation producing cells to take place.
3. An alteration of the immune system that lead to the destruction of melanocytes.
Inheritance:
4. There would be a genetic defect that would make melanocytes were more likely to be destroyed. A study in this regards claims that gene named NLAP1 is responsible for vitiligo.
Thanks to http://www.vitiligoguide.com/white-spots-on-skin/
