VITILIGO By: Bryce Williams

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Vitiligo, which is also referred to as white spot disease or leukoderma, is a skin disease that causes one to lose pigment in the skin due destruction to melanocytes.

SCIENTIFIC DESCRIPTION When melanocytes ( pigment cells that produce different colors of yellow, brown, blacks in the epidermis layer of the skin) stop producing melanin, the skin becomes pale. In which leaves areas of white patches in different areas on the body such as : above the head, armpits, groin, etc. which is called vitiligo.

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SYMPTOMS The symptoms of vitiligo are: pasty white patches of skin that appear symmetrically on the body lack of pigment patches with white hairs

CAUSES OF THE DISEASE Researchers do not know the exact cause(s) of vitiligo, but they made inferences that some conditions may lead to the development of the disease: hereditary contraction household chemical exposure such as phenol (disinfectant) or catechol (used in dyeing or tanning) The body may be destroying its own melanocytes classified as autoimmune disorder Skin injury Critical burns Inflammatory skin disorders

TREATMENT The treatment methods may vary, dependent upon the degree of severity of the individuals condition. Try to avoid tanning Always apply spf 30 or higher sunscreen to avoid skin damage The use of cosmetic make-up could temporarily mask the appearance of white patches A normal patient may have the option to go through pigment treatment. Depigmentation is the destruction of the remaining melanocytes. A bleaching chemical is applied to normally pigmented skin to those who obtain vitiligo to over half of their body.

WORST CASE SCENARIO Before Vitiligo After Vitligo

FACTS Currently in the United States, an estimated of 1 to 2 million people have the disorder. Most people with vitiligo develop it before they turn the age of 40 years. Children whose parents have the disorder are more likely to contract the disease through biological traits.

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