Vitiligo
History
Vitiligo is a disease, but it is not dangerous for human life. It is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes in the skin are destroyed. It has been observed for thousands of years, all across the world. It is a common distortion and there is no significant difference in its incidence as regards to gender, race or age of the individual. Approximately 1 out of every 100 people suffer from this disorder. The term Vitiligo is believed to be derived from Latin word "Vitium" which mean "calf", the first part of the word, "VITI" means "Mark or Blemish". Vitiligo has been appeared to be famous after 1990's when celebs like Michael Jackson and Amitabh Bachan were affected from it.
Symptoms
It is characterized by white patches due to loss of pigment producing cells in the skin. These white patches are frequently symmetrical and their size usually keeps increasing with the passage of time. Similar patches also appear on both the mucous membranes and the retina. The hair that grows on areas affected by vitiligo sometimes turns white. Vitiligo usually develops first on sun-exposed areas of your skin, such as your hands, feet, arms, face and lips. Genitals also may be affected. Although it can start at any age, vitiligo often first appears between the ages of 10 and 30.
Created by: Miranda Lewis