Signs and Symptoms of Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease in which the body creates antibodies directed against the pigment-producing cells.  The loss of pigment causes depigmentation, which results in loss of color.  The result is white patches or blotches on the skin.  Vitiligo can be localized in one particular area, or it can affect the body more broadly.  The following is the main signs and symptoms of vitiligo below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Vitiligo include:

The main symptoms of vitiligo are white spots on the skin, which may be more noticeable in light-skinned individuals when the person is tanned.  Usually, there are only a few white spots at first; later, the spots can grow in size and take on more unusual shapes.

Common sites include the face, neck scalp, elbows, knees, ankles, shoulders, and other bony areas.  Other areas include the forearms, wrists, hands, fingers, lips, genitals, gums and nipples.

Vitiligo Diagnosis

There are no official tests for a diagnosis of vitiligo.  If a practitioner suspects vitiligo, a skin biopsy may be ordered, in order to rule out other pigmentary disorders.

Vitiligo is primarily a cosmetic issue, as it is not life-threatening and does not cause any other medical problems.  It can, however, cause emotional concerns due to the depigmentation of the skin in visible areas.

Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Vitiligo

What Causes Vitiligo?

There are only a few things that can be considered causes for vitiligo. They are as follows:

• Genetic History of the Disease
• Heavy Metal Toxicity
• Thyroid Disease
• Injury to the Skin by Chemicals

Why Detoxification is Important?

If there is one thing that seems to be true, it is that autoimmune disease patients have a toxic body. The more discomfort you are in, the more pain you are feeling, the sicker and more toxic you are. Inflammation and irritation are classic signs of a toxic body. Although environmental toxins are not the only cause of the autoimmune process, it may be what is the root cause of the other factors such as candida, viral or bacterial infections.

Vitiligo Resources

General Patient Resources

• National Vitiligo Foundation, Inc.

National Vitiligo Foundation, a patient oriented site dedicated to information on the cure and treatment of vitiligo.

http://nvfi.org/index.php

• Vitiligo Support International, Inc.

VSI is a patient driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive resource of vitiligo education, research and awareness for those whose lives have been affected by vitiligo.

http://www.vitiligosupport.org/

• Derm Net NZ

Authoritative facts about the skin from the New Zealand Dermatological Society.

http://www.dermnetnz.org/colour/vitiligo.html

• Vitiligo Guide

Having served the vitiligo community with the most authentic, impartial and dependable insight into this disease, vitiligo guide decides to extend its services by opening an online store of vitiligo products.

http://www.vitiligoguide.com/

• Vitiligo Treatment oil . com

Vitiligo cure and vitiligo treatment is now available with natural herbal treatment.

http://www.vitiligotreatmentoil.com/vitiligo.html

• Vitiligo Support Forum

Vitiligo Support Forum run by vitiligo sufferers around the world.

http://vitiligoforum.com/

• MD Junction

Vitiligo Forums. Discussions, Q&A and friends dealing with Vitiligo.

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/vitiligo-discussions

Medical Resources

• Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers causes, symptoms and treatments of this skin pigment condition.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitiligo/DS00586

• Medline Plus

A service of the US National Library of Medicine.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000831.htm