Vitiligo: 10 Important Facts
Vitiligo: 10 Important Facts
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Vitiligo is a disease in which the pigment cells of the skin are destroyed in certain areas.
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Symptoms and signs of vitiligo include loss of skin color in the form of depigmented, or white patches of skin in any location on the body.
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Vitiligo can be focal and localized to one area, or it may affect several different areas of the body.
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The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, although mostly believe that it is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys certain cells within the body.
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Most people who have vitiligo will develop the condition prior to age 40; about half develop it before age 20.
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Vitiligo may have a genetic component, as the condition tends to run in families.
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Vitiligo is not painful and does not have significant health consequences; however, it can have emotional and psychological consequences.
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Some treatments can reduce the severity of the condition, but it can be difficult to cure.
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There is no known way to prevent vitiligo.
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There are some home remedies which may improve appearance.