
Who suffers with vitiligo?
Vitiligo: A chronic disorder that causes depigmentation in patches of skin.
Vitiligo happens when cells responsible for skin pigmentation die or are unable to funtion properly. The causes of it is not fully understood but many doctors and skin specialists feel it may be due to genetics. Signs of these skin patches occurs normally on the extremeties. Most significant blotches may appear on the face, hands and wrists. Patches may at first appear small, then often as they enlarge they may change shape. In many cases vitiligo causes psychological stress and making vitiligo more susceptible. Some rare cases of this condition have many sufferers of depression and mood disorders.
In the latest life of Michael Jackson it was known he was a sufferer of vitiligo. However this disorder is experienced by thousands every day. Since little remains unknown of the causes and effects little known cures are presently affective. Many affected persons use makeup to hide the patches and others use several hours of sunlight which may or may not be effective in returning pigmentation to the skin.
In a report according to my source, a study of 656 people with and without vitilgo it was found that 114 encountered mutations of the NALP1 gene. which is the part of the blood cell that regulates cell death. The disorder being mostly genetic can be found in races of black and white alike. There is much more exploration still left and studies continue to expereince what can be done in preventive measures.
Perhaps you may know someone close to you who is affected with vitiligo and would like to share more knowledge; or your thoughts about this skin disorder. Your comments welcomed. There is much more to learn about this world of skin we live in , and from something I learned years ago "Knowlege is Power". Let us educate each other.
Posted By: MIISRAEL Bride
Tuesday, January 26th 2010 at 1:33PM
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