EXPLAINER
Vitiligo affects 1 to 2 percent of the global population with most occurrences in the Indian subcontinent, followed by Mexico and Japan.
Vitiligo is a chronic skin autoimmune condition which results in the formation of white or light patches on our body.
Also known as Leukoderma, the disorder is prevalent across India, amounting to between 0.25 and 4 of all outpatient dermatology cases in India, as noted across studies. The highest incidences are found in in Gujarat and Rajasthan with up to 8.8 percent of the skin-problem related outpatients.
There is tremendous stigma attached to vitiligo in India. People with the autoimmune condition suffer from low-self esteem and psychological pressure. Deeply-rooted superstitions attached to vitiligo (belief that the disorder is the product of past sins), combined with lack of awareness becomes a source of lifelong struggle for patients. The stigma hits young women the hardest due to matrimonial problems accompanying it.
The exact cause of this condition and what triggers the immune system to mistakenly attack its own healthy skin pigment cells is still unknown. The discoloration happens when melanocytes or the cells which provides colour to the skin, hair and eyes stop functioning.
According to experts, a combination of factors which includes genetics, autoimmunity, stress, skin damage and chemical exposure likely contribute to an individual’s risk of vitiligo.
Common causes of vitiligo or leukoderma
People of multiple skin types or ethnicities can be affected by vitiligo. While the exact cause has not been discovered yet, the research suggests that multiple factors are at play:
Genetic mutations: Variations in multiple genes are linked to an increased risk of developing vitiligo. Around 30 percent of cases are genetic and about one-fifth of the people with vitiligo have at least one close relative with the same condition. While family history can increase a person’s chances, researchers agree that it is not the sole reason for occurrence of vitiligo.
Autoimmune conditions: Studies show a clear genetic link between Vitiligo and other autoimmune diseases, which includes those that specifically affect the thyroid gland. While the exact cause is still being studied, it can happen because the immune system of patients suffering from vitiligo develop antibodies that destroys the skin pigmentation cells.
Around 15 to 25 percent of people with Vitiligo have at least one other autoimmune disease. People who have an existing autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or hypothyroidism are at an increased risk of developing vitiligo.
Environmental triggers: External factors such as stress, skin trauma or exposure to strong chemicals seems to trigger Vitiligo development in people who are genetically predisposed to the condition.
Triggers might also cause Vitiligo patches to spread or develop in people who already have the condition. For example- The first symptoms of skin pigmentation loss may show up on an area of skin which has come in contact with chemicals or skin damage. The condition might worsen after a person experiences intense emotional and physical stress.
Genetics: Researchers have found variations in more than 30 genes which are linked to an increased risk of developing vitiligo. Most genes are involved in body’s immune system or melanocyte function.
Although some researchers are aware that some individuals are at a higher risk of developing Vitiligo due to having certain genetic mutations, the reasons why these changes occur are not completely clear and emphasize why there are other contributing factors at play.
Lifestyle Risk Factors
There is no way to know exactly whether a person will be infected by vitiligo or not. However, experts have identified many risk factors that can increase the chances, particularly if the person has a genetic predisposition to the condition.
Skin Damage or Trauma: According to studies, stressful events or chronic emotional or physical stress may trigger the development of vitiligo, especially patients who are predisposed due to their genes. Triggering of skin changes is likely, especially in the part due to the hormonal changes which occur when a person undergoes extreme stress. Evidence has also shown that trauma and huge life stressor are linked to the autoimmune disease.
Chemical exposure: Exposure or contact to certain chemicals may be another external risk factor for developing the disease. Some experts have said hypothetically that the chemicals help in the progression of stress pathways which are already present in the melanocytes leading to autoimmune inflammation. Additionally, genetic influence can increase cellular stress in melanocytes or set a lower threshold for stress which can be handled by the immune system.
A chemical named monobenzone can trigger skin depigmentation to develop and worsen in people who already have Vitiligo. Phenols are another category of chemicals that may play a role in Vitiligo which is thought to disrupt Melanocyte function. These chemicals are found in products as ingredients like adhesives, disinfectants, paints, insecticides and more.
‘You’re So Beautiful’: World’s tallest woman meets world’s shortest woman over tea, pics go viral
Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: Consequences of GRAP-4 are drastic, may have adverse effects, says SC
Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: Schools likely to stay closed till..., check city-wise update
Maharashtra: 3 killed, 9 hospitalised after gas leak at fertiliser plant in Sangli
THIS farm is selling a cup of coffee for Rs 28000, but there's a twist, it is...
Chhattisgarh: 10 Maoists killed after encounter with security personnel in Sukma
Mukesh Ambani's SUPERHIT plan for Jio users, offers unlimited 5G access for 1 year for just Rs...
IND vs AUS 1st Test: KL Rahul's dismissal sparks DRS controversy in Perth Test
Dense fog, heavy rain predicted in these states till November 25; check here
Oreshnik Hypersonic Missile: Which nations are within its range?
Bihar teacher, principal reach school in drunken state; know what happened next
'I have faced a lot of...': Arjun Kapoor REVEALS his biggest fear amid break up with Malaika Arora
How millions of Indians may get affected due to US indictment of Gautam Adani in bribery case
Amid divorce rumours with Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan says 'missing someone is okay but...'
After Bibles, watches and sneakers, Donald Trump is now selling autographed guitars, price is...
Delhi pollution: Air quality improves to ‘very poor’ category, AQI at...
Vladimir Putin's BIG threat, warns he could strike UK with new ballistic missile if...
Shillong Teer Results TODAY November 22, 2024 Live Updates: Check winning numbers here
Somebody misbehaved with Alia Bhatt on Highway sets then Imtiaz Ali had to...
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal reveals twist behind Rs 200000 job fee, closes application window
Days after Ratan Tata's demise, Tata Group's Rs 131000 crore company inks pact with ADB for...
WATCH: Woman makes Biryani with Parle-G biscuits, viral video fumes internet
Only train in India in which passengers can travel for FREE; check route, timings and more
'Justice for biryani': Parle-G biryani takes internet by storm, video goes viral
DNA TV Show: Why Gautam Adani charged with bribery and fraud in US
IND vs AUS: Records Virat Kohli can break during Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Diljit Dosanjh fans get angry over Ananya Panday's birthday post for her grandmother, here's why
Reddit suffers outage with ‘upstream connect error’ message, says 'currently investigating...'
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: How has Jasprit Bumrah fared in Tests in Australia?
Delhi records coldest night of the season, temp drops to...
Crossing the Line: Ukraine's Use of Storm Shadow Missiles and the Escalation of Conflict
When Malaika Arora talked about the controversial ‘instant pleasure’ ad, it was for…
This is the world’s most expensive shopping street, not Fifth Avenue, New Bond Street, it is...
Big setback for Gautam Adani, Kenya cancels Rs 6216 crore deal with Adani Group due to...
Viral video: Man’s jugaad to stay warm in winter will leave you SHOCKED, watch here
Hinduja Group firm gets key approval for acquisition of Anil Ambani's debt-ridden Reliance Capital
Viral video: Middle-Class man lives dream of having tea at Taj Hotel, netizens applauds
Shloka Mehta looks stunning in white floral kurta as she clicked with Akash Ambani, it costs Rs....
Who is Sagar Adani, Gautam Adani's nephew, accused of bribery, fraud charges in US?
PayPal down: Several users face issue while logging into accounts, say 'no one could...'
IND vs AUS: Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins eye historic captaincy milestone in Perth Test
BGT 2024, Ind vs Aus: Can Shubhman Gill be the new Cheteshwar Pujara? Is he really ready?
The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Gifting: Discover Heirloom Pashmina by Pashmina.com
Effortless Relocations: The Perks Of Professional Removalists In Melbourne
Watch: Pakistan fan with 'Imran Khan' poster asked to leave Hobart stadium in Australia
International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for...
What is demisexuality? Everything you need to know about this lesser-known sexual orientation
WATCH: World’s shortest woman meets world’s tallest woman, video goes viral
IND vs AUS 1st Test: Predicted playing XIs, Perth weather forecast and pitch report
IND vs AUS: When will Rohit Sharma join India squad? Check latest update
'Scam 2024': Diljit Dosanjh lookalike pranks people on Pune streets, video goes viral
Delhi Air Pollution: Centre announces staggered work timings for govt employees; check details
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio loses nearly 80 lakh subscribers in just 30 days, BSNL adds...