Living With Vitiligo

DOES VITILIGO INCREASE MY RISK OF SKIN CANCER? No, Vitiligo does not increase the risk of skin cancer. Contrarily, research has shown that those with vitiligo are three times less likely to develop melanoma and non-melanoma type skin cancers than those without vitiligo!  Isn't that a great news for the proud wearers of the coat of many colors - those living with vitiligo? What shall we say then? Does that mean that you can hit the beach every day to suntan?  God forbid,  for shall we continue in sin because God's grace is covering us?  We shouldn't deliberately and carelessly expose ourselves to the sun because parts of the skin that are affected with vitiligo will burn in the sun more easily. Instead we should apply Sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing that will protect our dermis and prevent sunburn.

Promoting Sensitization and Awareness Vitiligo is a skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, yet it remains one of the least understood and most stigmatized dermatological disorders. Characterized by the loss of skin pigment, leading to light or white patches on the skin, vitiligo can have profound psychological effects on those who live with it. This article aims to raise awareness about vitiligo, promote understanding, and foster a supportive environment for individuals affected by this condition. WHAT IS VITILIGO?  Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disorder that occurs when the melanocytes – the cells responsible for producing skin pigment (melanin) – are destroyed or cease to function. The exact cause of vitiligo is still not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and autoimmune factors. Vitiligo can develop at any age, but it often appears between the ages of 10 and 30. TYPES OF VITILIGO  Vitiligo is classifi...

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...