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...

WHAT IS VITILIGO CAUSED BY?  It’s unknown exactly what causes vitiligo. Most researchers believe that vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder because your body is attacking your own cells. A 2016 manual chart review was conducted for 1,873 patients diagnosed with vitiligo and receiving treatment at a Detroit, Michigan, hospital over a 10-year period. Research results showed that about 20% of the patients also had at least one other autoimmune disorder. Researchers noted that there were research limitations, including no control group, only one medical facility supplied data, and possible bias in the participant selection process. We await your comments and questions.  Source: Healthline Media 

  VITILIGO FACTS Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder and not merely a “cosmetic” problem. Vitiligo affects the immune system which then affects the skin, resulting in white patches. 70 million people across the world have vitiligo. There are no boundaries of race, ethnicity or gender. Anyone—children and adults representing all ethnicities— can get vitiligo at any time. 20-35% of patients are children. Nearly 1% of the population is affected. Vitiligo is NOT contagious. Vitiligo is difficult to hide. This disease is misunderstood and the isolation people with vitiligo feel can be crippling. Psychologically devastating, many patients feel isolated and devastated by its impact on their relationships and personal and professional lives. There is no known cure. There is very little research funding for vitiligo to better understand the disease and develop new treatments. Many of the currently available treatments are not covered by insurance. Various treatments, including topical creams...

  Emracing Our Unique Beauty : Living with Vitiligo Vitiligo is more than just a skin condition—it’s a journey of self-acceptance, resilience, and finding beauty in difference. Whether you've recently been diagnosed or have lived with vitiligo for years, you know the challenges and triumphs that come with it. This blog is for you—a space where we can share experiences, support one another, and celebrate the beauty of diversity. Understanding Vitiligo Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigment due to the destruction of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. While it isn’t contagious or life-threatening, it can have significant emotional and psychological effects, especially in a world that often values uniformity over uniqueness. The Emotional Journey Many of us have experienced stares, questions, or even insensitive comments about our skin. It can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of insecurity, anxiety, or even depre...

Beyond the Spots: Embracing Our Unique Beauty Hey everyone, Let's talk about us – the vibrant, resilient community living with vitiligo. This isn't just a blog post; it's a virtual hug, a shared understanding, and a space to celebrate our unique journeys. We’ve all experienced that moment – the first appearance of a patch, the questions from others, the internal battle of self-acceptance. But today, let's focus on the strength, beauty, and unwavering spirit that unites us. Vitiligo affects us differently. Some of us have a few small patches, while others experience more extensive depigmentation. Our experiences with this condition are as varied as our personalities. And that's okay. There's no "right" way to have vitiligo. This platform is designed to be a safe haven, so: Let's Share our stories : Whether it's a funny anecdote about a well-meaning but misguided comment, a heart-wrenching moment of self-doubt, or a triumphant victory over ...