What is Vitiligo? How is Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's son affected by this rare skin condition?

Kim Kardashian recently shared that one of her sons, whom she shares with her ex-husband Kanye West has been diagnosed with vitiligo. The influencer made the shared the news while she was participating in a podcast named 'SHE MD'. Vitiligo is a skin disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment, usually getting larger over time. Kardashian mentioned that her son's vitiligo is mild and currently under control. During the podcast, she also discussed her personal experiences with psoriasis, a condition she has been open about for years.

Kardashian explained that there is a genetic component to these illnesses, which she and her child have inherited in different ways. She did not specify which of her sons, Saint who is eight, or Psalm who is four, is affected by Vitiligo. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be aware of Vitiligo and to learn more about it.

What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This results in white patches on the skin. The exact cause is unknown, but it's believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks melanocytes. Vitiligo can affect people of any age and ethnicity, and its progression varies widely. While it's not life-threatening, it can significantly impact a person's self-esteem.

Currently, there's no permanent cure for vitiligo, but various treatments can help restore color or manage the condition. These include topical corticosteroids, light therapy (such as narrowband UVB), and depigmentation (for widespread vitiligo). In some cases, surgical options like skin grafting or melanocyte transplantation may be considered. It's important to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options that best suit individual needs and preferences.

In addition to discussing her son's Vitiligo, Kardashian also mentioned that all four of her children, including her ten-year-old daughter North and six-year-old daughter Chicago, have minor Eczema. Her willingness to talk about her family's health issues reflects her ongoing efforts to raise awareness and share personal experiences related to skin ailments, as reported by MSN.

Kardashian has been vocal about her battle with Psoriasis since her diagnosis in 2011. Psoriasis typically causes a rash with itchy, scaly spots that can appear on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. She recalled experiencing a severe flare-up while wearing Marilyn Monroe's iconic dress to the 2022 Met Gala. Thankfully, her makeup artist was able to cover the rash that had spread across her face.

In January, Kardashian highlighted her struggle with psoriasis by posting a video on her Instagram Story showing a large red rash on her leg. She expressed frustration over her inability to identify the triggers of her psoriasis despite trying various treatments and not changing her diet.

Overall, Kardashian's openness about her family's skin conditions and her own experiences with psoriasis serves to inform and support others dealing with similar issues, as reported by MSN.