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Vitiligo is a condition that causes patchy changes in skin coloring (pigmentation). The average age of onset of vitiligo is in the mid-20s, but it can appear at any age. It tends to progress over time, with larger areas of the skin losing pigment. Some people with vitiligo also have patches of pigment loss affecting the hair on their scalp or body.
Researchers have identified several forms of vitiligo. Generalized vitiligo, which is the most common form, involves loss of pigment (depigmentation) in patches of skin all over the body. Depigmentation typically occurs on the face, neck, and scalp, and around body orifices such as the mouth and genitals. Loss of pigmentation is also frequently seen in areas that tend to experience rubbing, impact, or other trauma, such as the hands, arms, and places where bones are close to the skin surface (bony prominences). Segmental vitiligo is associated with patches of depigmented skin that appear on one side of the body. When the depigmented areas cover almost the entire body, the condition is often known as universal vitiligo.
Other terms are used to describe vitiligo that involves localized areas of pigment loss. In focal vitiligo, one or a few depigmented spots appear in a specific area of the body, usually on the face, neck, or trunk; this localized involvement may progress to generalized or segmental vitiligo. Acrofacial vitiligo is a subcategory of generalized vitiligo in which the pigment loss generally occurs on the fingers and face. Mucosal vitiligo involves pigment loss only in the mucous membranes, such as the lips.
In some people with vitiligo, depigmentation occurs gradually in some patches of skin, so that affected individuals have patches of normally pigmented skin, completely depigmented skin, and skin of an intermediate color. This form of the condition is called trichrome vitiligo.
Vitiligo is generally considered to be an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues and organs. For unknown reasons, in people with vitiligo the immune system appears to damage the pigment cells (melanocytes) in the skin. About 20 to 25 percent of people with vitiligo are also affected by at least one other autoimmune disorder, particularly autoimmune thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, pernicious anemia, Addison disease, or systemic lupus erythematosus.
In the absence of other autoimmune conditions, vitiligo does not affect general health or physical functioning; however, concerns about appearance and ethnic identity are significant issues for many affected individuals.
Vitiligo is a common disorder, affecting between 0.5 percent and 1 percent of the population worldwide. While the condition may be more noticeable in dark-skinned people, it occurs with similar frequency in all ethnic groups.
Variations in the NLRP1 and PTPN22 genes have been associated with an increased risk of developing vitiligo. Studies have suggested that variations in a number of other genes may also affect the risk of vitiligo, but most of these associations have not been confirmed. Many of these genes are involved in immune system function. Some of the gene changes associated with an increased risk of vitiligo have also been associated with an increased risk of other autoimmune conditions.
It is unclear what specific circumstances trigger the immune system to attack melanocytes in the skin. The condition probably results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, most of which have not been identified.
Changes in these genes are associated with vitiligo.
Vitiligo sometimes runs in families, but the inheritance pattern is complex since multiple causative factors are involved. About one-fifth of people with this condition have at least one close relative who is also affected.
These resources address the diagnosis or management of vitiligo and may include treatment providers.
You might also find information on the diagnosis or management of vitiligo in Educational resources (http://www.ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/vitiligo/show/Educational+resources) and Patient support (http://www.ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/vitiligo/show/Patient+support).
General information about the diagnosis (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/consult/diagnosis) and management (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/consult/treatment) of genetic conditions is available in the Handbook. Read more about genetic testing (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/testing), particularly the difference between clinical tests and research tests (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/testing/researchtesting).
To locate a healthcare provider, see How can I find a genetics professional in my area? (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/consult/findingprofessional) in the Handbook.
You may find the following resources about vitiligo helpful. These materials are written for the general public.
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for healthcare professionals and researchers.
Ask the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/).
anemia ; arthritis ; autoimmune ; depigmentation ; diabetes ; gene ; genitals ; immune system ; inheritance ; inheritance pattern ; leukoderma ; lupus ; melanocytes ; mucous ; pigment ; pigmentation ; population ; psoriasis ; rheumatoid arthritis ; systemic lupus ; systemic lupus erythematosus ; thyroid ; trauma
You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary (http://www.ghr.nlm.nih.gov/glossary).
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/consult/findingprofessional) in the Handbook.
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