How many people have vitiligo?
Vitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked QuestionsVitiligo is a relatively common disease, with about 1 to 2% of the world's population affected, which means anywhere from 50 to 100 million people are affected. 100 million people is roughly the population of California, New York, Illinois, Florida and Texas combined.
Related QuestionsPEOPLE AND HISTORY Who is affected by vitiligo?
Vitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout 1 to 2 percent of the world's population, or from 50 to 100 million people, have vitiligo. In the United States, 2 to 5 million people have the disorder. It is suspected that some countries may have higher incidents of vitiligo, for various genetic and societal reasons. Ninety-five percent of people who have vitiligo develop it before their 40th birthday, most between the ages of 10 and 30.
Related QuestionsHow do I explain vitiligo to people? Should I even bother?
Vitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked QuestionsWe suggest that you be honest and open, and explain to people that vitiligo is a genetic condition, in which the body's immune system sees pigment cells as foreign bodies, and attacks them. Explain that it is a rather common condition, that it does not hurt or itch, and that it is not contagious. Finally, explain to them that treatment technology for the condition is improving, and that genetic advances may one day solve the condition.
Related QuestionsPeople stare at my spots. I am embarrassed by my vitiligo. Is there anything I can do?
Vitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked QuestionsFirst, understand that to most people, vitiligo is unusual, and perhaps a bit unsettling. Do not be afraid to tell people what it is, especially children. Kids are pretty smart these days, and everyone can understand if you explain that vitiligo is a condition in which the immune system sees the pigment cells as foreign bodies, and attacks them (our best explanation). Explain that it does not hurt, and that it is a genetic condition, and is not contagious.
Related QuestionsWhat is vitiligo?
Vitiligo Frequently Asked Questions FAQ.Patients with Vitiligo develop white spots in the skin that vary in size and location. The spots occur when pigment cells, or melanocytes, are destroyed and the pigment melanin can no longer be produced. Melanocytes normally occur throughout the skin, and in the hair follicles, mouth, eyes, and some parts of the central nervous system. In Vitiligo, pigment cells can be lost in any of these areas. Common sites of pigment loss are:
Related QuestionsVitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked QuestionsWelcome to Vitiligo Support International's Frequently Asked Questions page. This topical summary represents one of the most comprehensive vitiligo FAQ's available anywhere in the world. If you reached this page from a search engine, you may find it helpful to begin exploring our vitiligo community from our Home Page. It is our goal to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information here.Related Questions
Is vitiligo curable? Is there a cure for vitiligo?
Vitiligo Frequently Asked Questions FAQ.The precise answer at this time is no. Vitiligo is probably caused by a variety of factors interacting in specific ways. Research has advanced the understanding of the physical and psychosocial aspects of Vitiligo, but the cause and cure for this disease are unknown. [top of page]
Related QuestionsABOUT VITILIGO AND ITS SYMPTOMS: What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked QuestionsVitiligo is a relatively common skin disorder, in which white spots or patches appear on the skin. These spots are caused by destruction or weakening of the pigment cells in those areas, resulting in the pigment being destroyed or no longer produced. Many doctors and researchers believe that vitiligo is an autoimmune-related disorder. Although researchers are not exactly sure what causes the autoimmune response, more is being learned every year.
Related QuestionsWho gets vitiligo?
Vitiligo Frequently Asked Questions FAQ.Vitiligo affects at least 1% of the population. About half of the people who develop this skin disorder experience some pigment loss before the age of 20, and about one third of all Vitiligo patients say that other family members also have this condition.
Related QuestionsWhat is the cause of vitiligo?
Vitiligo Frequently Asked Questions FAQ.The precise cause of Vitiligo is not known. A combination of genetic, immunologic and neurogenic factors is of major importance in most cases. Many people report pigment loss shortly after a severe sunburn. Others relate the onset of Vitiligo to emotional trauma associated with an accident, death in the family, divorce, etc. Early graying of hair is part of Vitiligo. Patients with Vitiligo appear to have normal pigment cells.
Related QuestionsWhat is the treatment for vitiligo?
Vitiligo Frequently Asked Questions FAQ.Even though treatment of Vitiligo is not completely satisfactory, there are two basic methods: to try to restore the normal pigment (repigment), or to try to destroy the remaining pigment cells (depigment). [top of page]
Related QuestionsWhat is the future for vitiligo?
Vitiligo Frequently Asked Questions FAQ.Research on pigment cells as related to Vitiligo has increased greatly in the past ten years. Attempts to stop Vitiligo by the use of hydrocortisone compounds applied to the skin appear promising. Melanocyte transplants, where the dermatologist takes pigment cells from an unexposed normally pigmented patch of skin, grows them in culture to large numbers, and returns them into a white patch, is also promising. [top of page] Yes, there is much concern for the patient with Vitiligo.
Related QuestionsWhat are the symptoms of vitiligo?
Vitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked QuestionsPeople who develop vitiligo usually first notice white patches or spots (depigmentation) on their skin. The skin remains of normal texture, though some people experience itching in areas where depigmentation is occurring. The white patches are more obvious in sun-exposed areas, including the hands, feet, arms, legs face, and lips. Other common areas for white patches to appear are the armpits and groin and around the mouth, eyes, nostrils, navel, and genitals.
Related QuestionsWhat is segmental vitiligo?
Vitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked QuestionsSome people develop vitiligo only in one or a few limited areas of their body. This is called segmental vitiligo. People with vitiligo can have a combination of segmental and generalized vitiligo.
Related QuestionsWhat is generalized vitiligo?
Vitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked QuestionsMost people find that their vitiligo develops in a generalized way, most often with bilateral characteristics, meaning that if a vitiligo patch appears on one elbow, it often appears on the other elbow about the same time.
Related QuestionsIs vitiligo at all contagious?
Vitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked QuestionsVitiligo is NOT contagious. If it were, many more people in the world, including doctors who treat vitiligo and family members of those with vitiligo, would have the condition. There are many theories about what causes vitiligo, but many experts believe, and data supports the theory, that one must be genetically susceptible, in order to develop vitiligo.
Related QuestionsWhat causes vitiligo?
Vitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked QuestionsThere are many theories about what causes vitiligo, and no one is positively certain. However, many doctors and researchers believe that a genetic predisposition or susceptibility to vitiligo exists in most people who develop vitiligo.
Related QuestionsI have a child with vitiligo. What should I do?
Vitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked QuestionsChildren usually cope best with vitiligo when their parent(s) is/are prepared to talk about the condition as openly and truthfully as possible. To pretend you haven't noticed something so obvious may make it difficult for your child to talk to you about it. Because this is often so difficult for parents to cope with, especially as relates to other children, it is important to talk with teachers, and counselors, and to be conscious if your child is being teased or bullied.
Related QuestionsVitiligo treatment:New product for vitiligo, dermabest.comVitiligo is a an autoimmune condition that causes skin depigmentation. It takes the form of skin white spots with a sharp margin and a milk white color. The normal texture and sensation of the skin are preserved. No scaling occurs.Related Questions
FAQVitiligo is a skin disorder, which is characterized by white patches on the skin, with various sizes, located bilaterally in any part of the body. The face and hands are the areas mostly affected; it appears in women and in men equally at any age and it is increasing in children. Go to "Vitiligo" section.Related Questions
If I am pregnant and have vitiligo, will my child develop vitiligo?
Vitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked QuestionsMost people with vitiligo have no relatives with vitiligo. However, enough people with vitiligo do have parents, or siblings or children who develop vitiligo that a genetic factor does appear to exist. While there is some disagreement in the medical community, many vitiligo experts believe there is not an increased risk for skin cancer in vitiligo patients.
Related QuestionsHow Can People Cope With the Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Vitiligo?
Untitled DocumentThe change in appearance caused by vitiligo can affect a person's emotional and psychological wellbeing and may create difficulty in getting or keeping a job. People with this disorder can experience emotional stress, particularly if vitiligo develops on visible areas of the body, such as the face, hands, arms, feet, or on the genitals. Adolescents, who are often particularly concerned about their appearance, can be devastated by widespread vitiligo.
Related QuestionsHow does vitiligo develop?
Vitiligo Frequently Asked Questions FAQ.The beginning of Vitiligo and the severity of pigment loss differs with each patient. Light skinned people usually notice the pigment loss during the summer as the contrast between the vitiliginous skin and the suntanned skin becomes distinct. People with dark skin may observe the onset of Vitiligo at any time. Individuals who have severe cases will lose pigment over their entire body surface.
Related QuestionsWhat is repigmentation therapy for vitiligo?
Vitiligo Frequently Asked Questions FAQ.To get repigmentation, new pigment cells must be produced from existing ones. That means that new pigment cells must come from the base of hair follicles, from the edge of the lesion or from the patch of Vitiligo itself if depigmentation is not complete. The maximum amount of repigmentation that can be expected in any one spot in a year of treatment is an eighth to a quarter of an inch.
Related QuestionsWhere does the word "vitiligo" come from?
Vitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked QuestionsIt is believed that the word "vitiligo" comes from Latin. The first part of the word, "viti" is from the Latin word "vitium" meaning a mark or blemish. The suffix, "ligo" is a common Latin ending meaning to bind or cause.
Related QuestionsHow do you pronounce the word "vitiligo"?
Vitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked QuestionsMany people pronounce this word incorrectly the first time they see it. But to hear it correctly, say the words "Little I Go." Then replace the first "L" with a "V" - giving you "Vittle I Go." Run the words together and you have the correct pronunciation.
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