What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a rather common skin disorder in which white spots or patches develop on the skin. These white patches occur from a weakening or destruction of the pigmentation cells responsible for the coloration of skin. Although no one knows exactly what causes vitiligo it is believed to be an autoimmune related disorder. I had never heard of vitiligo until I developed white patches on both of my hip bones and a small patch on the side of my neck. The physician took one look at it and made the diagnosis even before doing any testing. It is believed that vitiligo may be hereditary. Although I am not aware of anyone in my family developing the condition before myself, my oldest and youngest sons have already shown small signs of vitiligo. My oldest son has a small white patch on his back whereas my youngest son has a white patch under his left arm. On the other hand, my middle son nor my daughter show any signs of the condition at least not yet.

As mentioned previously it is believed that vitiligo may be an autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disorder can be described as a condition in which a person's immune system produces antibodies to work against the person's own organs and tissues. In vitiligo the immune system sees the pigment cells as foreign bodies and works to destroy them. In other words, the immune system attacks the melanocytes which are the pigment cells weakening or destroying them. Vitiligo is a result of the weakening or destruction of the melanocytes.

What are the systems of vitiligo?