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Vitiligo: The Science Within the Skin. Vitiligo is a lifelong condition that results in white patches, or complete loss of color, on affected areas of skin. Vitiligo is not contagious; can affect people of any ethnicity, gender, or age; and can have a negative impact on people’s lives. To understand what’s happening on the skin in vitiligo, we first need to understand what’s happening within it.

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Skin, hair, and eye color are determined by a pigment called melanin. Special cells found deep within the skin and hair follicles, called melanocytes, produce melanin through a complex process called melanogenesis. During this process, microscopic packets of melanin are produced in the melanocyte. Over time, these melanin packets develop pigment and are eventually transported outward throughout the skin. This spreading and distribution of pigment gives the skin an even and consistent color.

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Melanin not only determines the color of our skin, hair, and eyes but also absorbs harmful ultraviolet (or UV) radiation, protecting your skin from sun damage.

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The amount of melanin the body produces depends on genetics, which is why people have different skin colors. People with darker skin tones typically have more melanin. For people living with vitiligo, this pigmentation process is disrupted. To understand vitiligo, we also have to know more about the body’s immune system. The immune system is a complicated collection of chemical signals, cells, tissues, and organs intended to protect the body from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

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Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition, which means the immune system isn’t working correctly. The immune system mistakenly recognizes melanocytes as harmful invaders, attacking and destroying these pigment-producing cells. Following this melanocyte destruction, people with vitiligo develop white patches of depigmented skin. The process of depigmentation is complex, can take time, and varies greatly from person to person. Many factors can contribute to the rate of depigmentation, including genetics, emotional stress, skin trauma such as sunburn or friction, medications, or even hormonal changes.

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There are two types of vitiligo. Segmental vitiligo is characterized by white patches on only one side or area of the body, while nonsegmental vitiligo, the most common form, has white patches appearing on both sides of the body. For people living with nonsegmental vitiligo, depigmentation can have an unpredictable course due to the intricate processes involved. Although there is no cure for vitiligo, the good news is it can be managed over time, in partnership with a health care provider.

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Repigmentation is also a long and complex process but is possible with management options in partnership with the dermatologist, if desired. The time it takes to repigment the skin can vary by person and by the location of the white patches on the body. As a visible condition, vitiligo can have a negative impact on one’s self-esteem. For people living with vitiligo,

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a deeper understanding of the science within the skin can be empowering and an important part of making informed decisions about managing the condition.

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Learn more about vitiligo by visiting ThisIsVitiligo.com.