Living With Vitiligo

What is Vitiligo and how did I get it?   0.5-2% of the world’s population have vitiligo. People of all ages and races are affected. So what causes vitiligo? Genetics strongly influence the risk of developing vitiligo, but it is not the only factor. Scientific research shows that those with vitiligo have genetically ‘weaker’ melanocytes that are more susceptible to ‘stressors’ or ‘insults.’ When melanocytes become stressed, they release inflammatory signals which activate the immune system. There are many known environmental factors that play a role in vitiligo. One of them is rhododendrol. This was linked to an ‘outbreak’ of vitiligo (over 16,000 cases reported) in Japan due to a skin lightening product that contained the ingredient rhododendrol. Monobenzylether of hydroquinone is another ingredient that can trigger vitiligo. Both of these substances are phenols which interfere with the production of melanin.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF FREEPIK Microbial therapy offers new hope for vitiligo patients Study reveals potential breakthrough in halting disease progression January 28, 2025 | By Ben Schamisso NORTHWESTERN researchers have found that a new microbial therapy could offer hope to millions affected by the autoimmune disease vitiligo, which causes visible patches of skin discoloration and carries profound emotional and physical consequences.  Feinberg School of Medicine A natural compound derived from gut-friendly bacteria significantly slows the progression of vitiligo and may restore pigmentation, reports a new Northwestern University pre-clinical study in mice.  The findings, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, could offer hope to millions affected by the autoimmune disease, which causes visible patches of skin discoloration and carries profound emotional and physical consequences. “The results in our model were astonishing,” said senior study author I. C...