Vitiligo: Understanding the Condition Beyond Skin Color
Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition characterized by the loss of skin pigmentation, resulting in white or light-colored patches on different parts of the body. While it is not life-threatening or contagious, vitiligo can have a significant emotional and psychological impact on those affected. Understanding the condition is the first step toward managing it effectively.
What Causes Vitiligo?
Vitiligo occurs when melanocytes which are the cells responsible for producing melanin (skin pigment) are destroyed or stop functioning. The exact cause is not fully understood, but research suggests that vitiligo is primarily an autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks melanocytes.
Other contributing factors may include:
Genetic predisposition (family history)
Oxidative stress

