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What Causes Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation in areas around the body. Researchers do not know the exact cause of vitiligo, but stress and exposure to chemicals might make it worse.
Vitiligo can affect any external part of the body, including the genitals, eyes, and inside of the mouth. Loss of pigmentation generally starts on the hands, feet, forearms, and face.
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People with vitiligo have areas of depigmented skin in various shapes and sizes. The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, but researchers have proposed different theories. Autoimmune Disorder Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder, which happens when the body recognizes healthy cells as harmful and attacks itself. The body attacks melanocytes, or the cells that produce melanin, in vitiligo. Vitiligo is associated with other autoimmune disorders, including: Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency): This is when the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys, do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol is a stress hormone that controls metabolism and helps respond to inflammation. Aldosterone regulates blood pressure and the levels of salt and water in your body. Pernicious anemia: This is a condition that keeps your body from absorbing vitamin B12, which can negatively affect the nervous system. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and shortness of breath, especially during exercise. Psoriasis: This skin condition accelerates the growth cycle of skin cells. It causes noticeable symptoms, such as pitted nails, redness, dryness, and cracked skin. The skin may also itch or burn, especially on the knees, scalp, and palms. Thyroid disease: This is characterized by the thyroid (the butterfly-shaped gland in the neck) producing too many or too few hormones. Hyperthyroidism is too many hormones, while hypothyroidism is a lack of hormones. Type 1 diabetes: The immune system attacks pancreas cells called islet cells, which produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that controls your blood sugar. Stress Research has shown that people with vitiligo had high levels of perceived stress compared to those without. Stress may trigger the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by melanocytes. ROS is an unstable molecule that carries oxygen and can easily interact with others inside the cell. ROS build-up in the cell may damage the genetic material (DNA) and destroy the cell. Chemical Exposure Research has shown that chemical exposure may cause vitiligo or chemical-induced vitiligo. This occurs when you use products containing harmful chemicals, such as hair dyes or skin-lightening creams. These products may lead to pigment cell death when they come into contact with your skin. These are some of the chemicals that may cause the skin to lose its color: 4-tert-butylcatechol (4-TBC), found in lubricating oils Para-phenylenediamine (PPD), found in hair dyes Phenol, found in detergents and cosmetic products Rhododendrol, which was found in a skin-lightening cream Vitiligo can sometimes run in families. This can happen if you inherit the NLRP1 and PTPN22 genes and the genes experience variations. These genes normally help manage inflammation and the immune system's activity. The variations can inhibit them from doing so, leading to vitiligo. A family history of vitiligo can increase your overall risk of developing it. About 20% of people with vitiligo have a first-degree relative with the same condition. Some people are more likely to develop vitiligo than others: Age: Vitiligo can occur at any age, but white patches usually appear before age 20. Genetics: You're more likely to develop non-segmental vitiligo if you have a close relative who has it or another autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Geographic area: Research has found a higher prevalence of vitiligo in people who live in Africa. Related conditions: About 15% to 25% of people with vitiligo have an autoimmune disorder. Sex: Vitiligo can develop in people of any sex, but it's more common in women. Some factors can worsen vitiligo or make you more prone to developing it. These factors are listed below, ranging from tattoos to physical trauma. Tattoos Tattoos can add color to the skin, which some people have used to try to add pigment to areas affected by vitiligo, but they are open wounds. A wound can cause something called the Koebner phenomenon, which triggers new spots of vitiligo to develop where the wound is. The new patches may appear about 10–14 days after the tattoo. There are ways to cover up your patches if you have vitiligo. A safer option is to use skin dyes or makeup that matches your skin's color. Cancer Treatment Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes. One treatment option for melanoma is called immunotherapy. Immunotherapy helps recognize cancer cells and destroy them. It also can attack healthy tissue, such as pigment cells, increasing your risk of vitiligo patches. Physical Trauma Sunburns can worsen vitiligo. This is because depigmented skin may be more sensitive to UV rays. Protecting your skin from the sun is essential, even if you don't have vitiligo. Use sunscreen and reapply it every two hours when you're out. Choose broad-spectrum products with SPF 30 or higher, which offer protection against UVA and UVB rays. Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes the skin to lose its pigment in patches that vary in size and shape. Why people develop it remains unknown, but researchers consider it an autoimmune disorder. The immune system mistakenly kills pigment cells. Vitiligo can affect anyone, but it's more likely to occur in those with thyroid disease, diabetes, or a family history of the condition. Using products that contain harsh chemicals or receiving cancer treatment may also trigger or worsen vitiligo.Thanks for your feedback!
Are Vitiligo And Psoriasis Related?
Vitiligo and psoriasis are chronic autoimmune conditions that cause changes in your skin. While it's possible to have both at the same time, they're two separate skin conditions with different symptoms.
Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by pale skin patches that develop when the body attacks and destroys melanocytes.
Melanocytes are the cells that create skin pigment (color).
Psoriasis, on the other hand, causes skin cells to multiply rapidly. This results in dry, inflamed, and scaly skin plaques that may be red, purple, or silvery.
Keep reading to learn more about the connection between vitiligo and psoriasis and their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Research suggests there may be a strong connection between vitiligo and psoriasis.
A 2017 study found that psoriasis was more common in participants with vitiligo than it was in participants without vitiligo. However, the authors did not find a significantly higher prevalence of vitiligo among participants with psoriasis.
A 2019 review found that anyone with either psoriasis or vitiligo was at greater risk of developing the other condition than people without a condition.
Generally, experts seem to agree that psoriasis and vitiligo share some risk factors and may be connected.
The exact causes of vitiligo and psoriasis aren't fully understood. However, both skin conditions are autoimmune diseases, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues.
Risk factors for developing an autoimmune condition may include:
Vitiligo may develop at any age, but nearly 50% of people with vitiligo develop it before the age of 21 years. Psoriasis, on the other hand, tends to develop between ages 20–30 and 50–60 years.
Some risk factors for developing vitiligo may include:
Some risk factors for developing or triggering psoriasis symptoms may include:
In vitiligo and psoriasis, your immune system attacks healthy tissues in two separate ways. Here's a look at some of the unique signs and symptoms of both conditions.
Vitiligo symptomsVitiligo causes depigmentation, which is when the skin loses its melanin. This may lead to the following symptoms:
Your symptoms may appear differently depending on which type of vitiligo you have. There are two types:
Symptoms of psoriasis will depend on which type of psoriasis you have. Plaque psoriasis is the most common.
The hallmark signs of psoriasis include:
Psoriasis also causes cycles where your symptoms may worsen or reappear (flare-ups), and then improve or disappear (remission). Each period may last days, weeks, or even months.
There's no cure for vitiligo or psoriasis, but some treatment options may help you manage both conditions.
A board-certified dermatologist can help develop the best treatment plan for you.
Vitiligo treatmentCurrent treatments for vitiligo mainly involve strategies to stop immune cells from attacking melanocytes and help restore color to depigmented areas.
Treatment approaches may include:
Psoriasis treatmentThe goal of psoriasis treatment is to help decrease the rapid skin cell turnover that causes skin plaques and to relieve symptoms.
Depending on the type and severity of psoriasis, treatment may involve a combination of:
Autoimmune diseases can run in families, but not everyone inherits them or develops symptoms. That said, once you receive a diagnosis of one autoimmune disorder, you're often more at risk of developing another.
Vitiligo is more common in people with certain autoimmune diseases, such as:
Psoriasis is also associated with other health conditions, including:
Can you have psoriasis and vitiligo?Yes, it's possible to receive a diagnosis of both skin conditions.
What kind of autoimmune disease causes vitiligo?Vitiligo has been associated with several other autoimmune conditions, including thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, among others.
Can psoriasis cause white spots?Psoriasis may cause dry, inflamed skin plaques with silvery scales, which may appear white.
Vitiligo and psoriasis are both autoimmune conditions.
Current research suggests a link between the two conditions. For example, people with vitiligo are more likely to develop psoriasis than people without vitiligo, although more research is needed to support the reverse.
Both vitiligo and psoriasis are also associated with an increased risk of developing other autoimmune diseases. While there is no cure for either condition, treatments are available.
How Is Vitiligo Diagnosed?
Vitiligo is diagnosed through a physical exam, blood test, and biopsy. Vitiligo causes loss of skin color or pigment in areas around the body. If you have vitiligo symptoms, such as lightened patches on your skin and premature hair whitening, you may see a dermatologist who specializes in skin conditions. They can perform different tests to reach a diagnosis.
This skin condition is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. In the case of vitiligo, the immune system targets the melanocytes. These skin cells produce melanin, the pigment that gives your skin color. Genetic factors and environmental triggers may play a role in causing vitiligo.
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It's important to perform a self-check skin exam at home to look for unusual signs or symptoms. No home tests can test for vitiligo, but you can check if you have depigmented areas. These are the most common vitiligo symptoms that people can develop. Consult a dermatologist if you notice: Changes in your eye color Hair turning white or gray Itchy skin, especially if it's accompanied by discoloration of any kind Light patches on the lips and around the mouth and nose Lightened patches on the face, arms, and feet It's possible for vitiligo to lead to hearing loss, as the inner ear contains melanocytes. Hearing loss can occur when these cells are attacked. Vitiligo can also make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, increasing your risk of sunburn. Take note of the areas that have lost their pigment, which can help a dermatologist determine what type of vitiligo you may have. The three types of vitiligo are: Mucosal: This type affects the mucous membranes in your mouth, nose, or genitals. Non-segmental vitiligo: This is the most common form of vitiligo. Non-segmental vitiligo can affect both sides of your body in any area, especially the face, neck, genitals, and hands. Segmental vitiligo: This develops on only one side (i.E., left or right) or body part, such as the face or hands. The patches generally appear small in size. A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history and symptoms. Let them know if you have a family history of vitiligo or another autoimmune disorder like diabetes. One-fifth of people with vitiligo also have a close relative with the skin condition. A healthcare provider may also ask if you've recently developed skin rashes or tried treating the affected areas at home. It's important to disclose any medications or creams you've used at home, as these can affect the treatments they prescribe. A healthcare provider may recommend blood tests to confirm a vitiligo diagnosis. These tests help them determine whether you may have another autoimmune disorder, such as a thyroid disorder. Thyroid disorders include: Hypothyroidism: Your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, and weight gain. Hyperthyroidism: Your thyroid gland makes more hormones than what your body needs. Symptoms include weight loss, sweating, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and mood changes. Blood tests, such as thyroid function tests, can indicate whether you have low or high levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. A healthcare provider may perform a skin biopsy if they need to know more about your skin cells. The dermatologist will take a sample of your skin and examine it under a microscope. They can confirm you have vitiligo if the sample does not have pigment-producing cells. Many people with vitiligo have depigmentation on their eyelids. They may also have white hairs in their eyebrow and eyelash area. Some people with vitiligo develop vision problems, but this is a rare occurrence. You may have to see an ophthalmologist to check if you have uveitis, or inflammation in your eyes. Research has found that uveitis affects about 4.8% to 19% of people with vitiligo. It can be beneficial to attend regular eye exams, especially if you have vitiligo patches on your head and neck. Hearing loss happens when the immune system attacks the pigment cells inside your ear. If you have hearing problems, an audiologist specializing in assessing and treating hearing and balance issues, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, or a doctor specializing in ontology (treating medical and surgical conditions of the ears) can examine you. Some evidence suggests sensorineural hearing loss is a common symptom among people with vitiligo. This hearing loss develops when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Other skin conditions can cause white patches. Dermatologists use different tests to distinguish the symptoms between vitiligo and other disorders. Conditions that produce similar skin symptoms to vitiligo include tinea versicolor, albinism, pityriasis alba, and idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. Tinea Versicolor A fungal infection causes tinea versicolor. The skin condition can cause discoloration, skin dryness, and flakiness. The affected skin areas look yellow under the Wood's lamp, while vitiligo appears bright blue. Albinism Albinism is a genetic condition associated with skin discoloration that can affect a person's eyesight. People with albinism usually have very pale skin and light blonde hair. The condition is usually diagnosed at birth. Healthcare providers check if the baby has any discolored areas on their skin, hair, and in their eyes. Albinism can cause vision problems, such as misaligned eyes, light sensitivity, or uncontrollable rapid eye movement. An eye exam may be helpful to examine the baby's eye health and look for signs that indicate albinism. A healthcare provider may advise genetic testing if you have a family history of albinism. This testing can indicate the type of albinism you have. Pityriasis Alba Pityriasis alba is known to cause round or oval hypopigmented (light-colored) lesions. The skin disorder affects mostly children and adolescents. A dermatologist may perform a Wood's lamp exam to diagnose the disorder. There is no color change under the lamp in the hypopigmented areas. Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis causes small, flat areas of white depigmented skin, as there is a decrease in melanin pigmentation. The disease mostly occurs in areas that have had a lot of sun exposure, such as the shoulders. Older adults who have fair skin are likelier to have the disease than others. A skin biopsy helps dermatologists reach a diagnosis. A biopsy can check if there is decreased melanin in the cells. Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes lightened patches on the skin and hair discoloration. Dermatologists use different tests to diagnose vitiligo and rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. Some of these tests include blood tests and a skin biopsy. If you develop vision or hearing problems, an ophthalmologist and an audiologist may perform additional tests.Thanks for your feedback!
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