How do people get vitiligo and why does it happen?
Vitiligo develops when melanocytes (the cells that produce skin pigment) are damaged or destroyed. This causes white patches to appear on the skin where pigment is lost.
The main causes include:
- Autoimmune response: Your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys Show Full Answer
How do people get vitiligo and why does it happen?
Vitiligo develops when melanocytes (the cells that produce skin pigment) are damaged or destroyed. This causes white patches to appear on the skin where pigment is lost.
The main causes include:
- Autoimmune response: Your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy melanocytes. This is the most common cause
- Genetic factors: About 1 in 5 people with vitiligo have a close relative with the condition. Certain genes can affect how melanocytes function
- Environmental triggers: Even if you're genetically predisposed, vitiligo often doesn't appear until something triggers it
Common triggers that can start or worsen vitiligo:
- Sunburn or repeated sun exposure
- Skin trauma (cuts, scrapes, tight clothing rubbing)
- Emotional or psychological stress
- Chemical exposure (certain dyes, cosmetics, industrial products)
- Stressful life events
The condition isn't contagious—you can't catch it from someone else through physical contact or any other means. Researchers believe it's usually a combination of genetic susceptibility plus an environmental trigger that causes vitiligo to develop.
March 19
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Join
Your Privacy Choices
