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WHAT IS 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.

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