What Causes Vitiligo? Know The Major Reasons Behind It!

Hello readers, have you seen people with white spots on their skin? Our skin is continuously exposed to external and environmental factors and thus always becomes the centre for conditions like acne, pimples, dry skin, white spots and much more. One such skin condition is vitiligo.

Vitiligo, a puzzling skin condition characterised by the loss of pigment, has stumped scientists for centuries. While its exact cause remains unknown, certain factors may contribute to this condition. So, in this blog, we will learn what causes vitiligo and its symptoms. Continue reading to know more!

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Vitiligo Disease?

2. What Causes Vitiligo Disease To Spread?

3. Symptoms Of Vitiligo 

4. The Final Say

5. FAQs

6. References

What Is Vitiligo Disease?

It is a skin disorder that results in the loss of skin colour, making affected skin appear lighter or turn white. It occurs when the body's immune system destroys melanocytes, the cells responsible for providing colour to the skin.

The extent of skin affected by this skin condition varies among individuals. It can also impact the eyes, inside of the mouth, and hair. In some cases, discoloured areas may remain so for life, while others may experience spontaneous repigmentation.

Vitiligo is photosensitive, meaning affected areas are more sensitive to sunlight. Predicting the spread of patches is difficult, as it may occur over weeks or remain stable for months or years. Lighter patches are more visible in individuals with darker skin tones. 

Also Read: Say Goodbye To Dark Spots: Home Remedies For Pigmentation

What Causes Vitiligo Disease To Spread?

So, what causes vitiligo to spread? Well, various factors are responsible for causing vitiligo disease. Some of them are : 

1. Genetic Predisposition

The main and most fundamental cause of vitiligo disorder is genetic predisposition. If you have a family history of vitiligo, there is a high chance that you will develop this disorder. Although no single gene has been identified as a cause of vitiligo, some genetic variations have been associated with increased susceptibility to vitiligo. 

2. Autoimmune Dysfunction 

The prevailing theory in vitiligo research suggests that the condition is mainly an autoimmune disease. This means the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its melanocytes, destroying these cells. As a result, people with vitiligo develop characteristic depigmented patches.

3. Neurochemical Factors

The role of neurochemicals in vitiligo has been revealed. The skin has complex nerve networks that release substances affecting immunity and melanocyte function. Disruption of this interaction can lead to vitiligo. Stress, in particular, is thought to trigger vitiligo attacks through its effects on the nervous and immune systems.

4. Environmental Triggers 

These also play a key role in causing vitiligo. Injuries are associated with developing vitiligo When exposed to certain environmental factors such as chemicals, pollution, ultraviolet radiation, and skin. These environmental influences can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, or changes in the immune system, all of which can lead to the destruction of melanocytes in affected individuals.  

Also Read: 6 Proven Ways To Remove Sun Tan From Skin Naturally

5. Oxidative Stress 

Another big reason for vitiligo is oxidative stress. Excessive oxidative stress destroys melanocytes and disrupts melanin production, causing the depigmentation seen in vitiligo. It generally results from imbalances in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and antioxidant activity plays a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. 

6. Hormonal Influence

Your hormones also play a key role in regulating bodily function. But when they get imbalanced, they can cause disorders like vitiligo. Hormones like MSH, cortisol, and thyroid hormone affect the skin's pigment cells. Due to diseases, pregnancy, or hormone therapy, imbalances can impact these cells and lead to vitiligo. For example, thyroid disease often occurs with vitiligo and can affect the skin's pigment cells through hormonal and autoimmune factors.

Also Read: Exercise To Balance Hormones In Your Body

7. Immunological Factors 

Weak immunity is the main cause of vitiligo, which leads to the destruction of melanocytes. Patients with vitiligo experience changes in their immune response, including abnormalities in T-cell function, cytokine production, and antigen presentation. Autoimmune mechanisms, such as the production of autoantibodies against melanocyte proteins, also contribute to the destruction of melanocytes in vitiligo. 

Symptoms of Vitiligo 

After knowing what causes vitiligo, let us look for its major symptoms:

• White Patches on the Skin: Loss of skin colour in patches.

• Symmetrical Patches: Even distribution of white patches.

• Change in Hair Color: Premature graying or whitening of hair.

• Mucous Membranes: Color loss in tissues lining the mouth and nose.

• Retinal Changes: Depigmentation in the retina of the eye.

• Gradual Spread: Slow and progressive expansion of white patches.

• Sun Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to sunlight.

• Loss of Pigment in Other Areas: Depigmentation in other parts of the body.

The Final Say

Vitiligo remains a multifaceted disease with complex underlying mechanisms. Although progress has been made in elucidating its aetiology, many aspects of its pathogenesis still need to be better understood. A better understanding of the genetic, autoimmune, environmental, neurochemical, and hormonal factors that play a role in vitiligo is necessary to develop better treatment strategies and ultimately find a cure for the disease. Through ongoing research and collaboration, we strive to unravel the mystery of vitiligo and improve the lives of those affected. 

FAQ  

1. What is the reason for white patches on the skin? 

Some of the major reasons for white patches on the skin are:

• Oxidative Stress

• Genetic Disposition

• Environmental Factors

• Hormonal Imbalances. 

2. Is vitiligo contagious? 

No, vitiligo is not a contagious skin condition. It is caused by factors like genetics, hormonal imbalance, etc.

3. What are white patches on the skin?

Skin proteins or dead cells can get trapped under the skin's surface, making white spots appear.  

References  

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitiligo/#:~:text=Vitiligo%20is%20caused%20by%20the,on%20your%20skin%20or%20hair. 

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12419-vitiligo 

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitiligo/symptoms-causes/syc-20355912 

• https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/vitiligo 

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