Vitiligo

Asael Nunez and Molly Alt

Epidemiology
Vitiligo is an integumentary disease that affects the color
of skin. Research has led scientists to start believing that
vitiligo is caused by a variance in the NLRP1 and
PTPN22 genes. Many researchers are also trying to
determine if vitiligo is an autoimmune disease (Vitiligo,
2014). Vitiligo is a somewhat rare disease, but relatively
little is known about it. It is characterized by the
depigmentation of the skin caused by a decrease in
melanin production.

Visuals

Images retrieved from:

http://www.aocd.org/?page=Vitiligo

Anatomy & Physiology

Vitiligo affects the melanocytes
found in the basal layer of the
epidermis (Rodrguez-Martn et
al, 2010).Vitiligo affects
melanocytes by causing them to
either completely stop producing
melanin or reduce the amounts of
melanin produced. This reduction
of melanin production causes
white or lightly-colored skin to
appear (Hyde, P., 2012).

Image retrieved from:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/melanoma/
Patient/page1

Treatment
Vitiligo can be treated using medication, surgery, and therapies. Topical therapy includes the use of
creams that include corticosteroids to help restore skin color. Corticosteroids are similar to
hormones such as cortisone, that the adrenal glands produce to help pigment the skin. Light
therapy includes using lasers to help temporarily restore pigmentation. Psoralen
photochemotherapy involves orally taking psoralen, a drug containing chemicals that react with
ultraviolet light to darken the skin. Depigmentation is the process of fading the colored skin to
match the color of the white patches. Autologous skin grafts are used to replace uncolored skin
with patches of colored skin that are removed from other parts of the body. Micropigmentation is
basically the process of tattooing the white patches to match the patients skin color. Autologous
melanocyte transplants occurs when a patch of skin containing melanocytes is harvested to grow
more melanocytes. The culture is then transplanted to the affected areas. Patients should avoid
sunlight and apply sunscreen whenever exposed. Makeup can also be applied to help cover the
patches. Counseling is used to help patients deal with the psychological effects of vitiligo, such as
embarrassment (Questions and Answers about Vitiligo).

Visual
autologous melanocyte transplant

Image retrieved from:

http://dermavision.in/skin-care-test.html

Research
Most of the research on vitiligo is being conducted by the National Institute of
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, or NIAMS. Researchers are
trying to prove whether vitiligo is an autoimmune disease or not. Scientists are
experimenting to see if interrupting signals from melanocytes can help stop
depigmentation. They are also experimenting to learn how melanocytes
receive signals to deposit or stop depositing melanin. The molecular
mechanisms required to grow melanocytes is being studied to be able to
effectively replace malfunctioning melanocytes. Genetics are also being
studied to determine which genes signal the halt of melanin production. This
research will help prevent vitiligo in those with a high genetic risk of
developing the disease (Questions and Answers about Vitiligo).

Contagiousness
Vitiligo is not contagious in any way. It develops
as a result of the combination of genetic,
immunologic, biochemical, and neurogenic factors
(What is Vitiligo?). This means that vitiligo can
not be spread through sexual contact, contact with
bodily fluids, direct contact, indirect contact, as an
airborne pathogen, etc.

Inheritance
Vitiligo can run in families, but the
inheritance pattern is very complex because
there are multiple factors involved.
However, about one-fifth of people who
have vitiligo have at least one relative with
it as well (Vitiligo, 2014).

Prognosis
The spread of vitiligo is completely unpredictable. Affected
areas might regain pigmentation but they might not. Often
times, vitiligo spreads to new areas, but the rate of it spreading
varies from person to person. The shade of the depigmented
skin may be lighter or darker than the unaffected skin. Vitiligo
does not cause death and it does not increase the chance of
death (Berman, K., 2014). Patients can take medication and
treatments, or undergo surgery to help prevent the spread of
vitiligo and restore melanin production.

Target Group
Vitiligo occurs at any age, but the average of those affected are in their
mid-twenties. It affects all races and both genders equally. Vitiligo
seems to be somewhat more common in people with certain
autoimmune diseases, including hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid
gland), adrenocortical insufficiency (the adrenal gland does not produce
enough of the hormone called corticosteroid), alopecia areata (patches
of baldness), and pernicious anemia (a low level of red blood cells
caused by the failure of the body to absorb vitamin B12). Scientists do
not know the reason for the association between vitiligo and these
autoimmune diseases (Questions and Answers about Vitiligo).

Visual

Autologous melanocyte transplants

patient with vitiligo and alopecia areata

Image retrieved from:

http://www.dermaamin.com/site/atlas-of-dermatology/21-v/1512-vitiligoalopecia-areata-.html

Interesting Facts
Approximately 0.5 to 1 percent of the worlds
population has vitiligo (Questions and Answers
about Vitiligo).
Winnie Harlow, a contestant on Americas Next
Top Model 2014, has vitiligo (FAMOUS
VITILIGANS, 2014).
Michael Jackson, a pop artist, supposedly had
vitiligo (FAMOUS VITILIGANS, 2014).

Visuals
Winnie Harlow

Micheal Jackson

Image retrieved from:

http://peru.com/mujeres/belleza-y-moda/winnieharlow-primera-modelo-vitiligo-que-conquistamundo-noticia-250706

Image retrieved from:

http://www.truemichaeljackson.com/health/vitiligo/

References
Berman, K. (2014, May 20). Vitiligo. Retrieved December 4, 2014, from
http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/vitiligo
FAMOUS VITILIGANS. (2014, June 25). Retrieved December 4, 2014, from
http://25june.org/en/pages/famous_personalities
Hyde, P. (2012, July 1). Vitiligo. Retrieved December 4, 2014, from
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/vitiligo.html
Questions and Answers about Vitiligo. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2014, from
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Vitiligo/
Rodrguez-Martn, M., Merino, N., Contreras, P., Santana, G., Martn, B., Martn-Herrera, A., & NodaCabrera, A. (2010, May 21). Anatomical Colocalization of Vitiligo and Alopecia Areata. Retrieved
December 4, 2014, from http://benthamopen.com/toautoj/articles/V002/193TOAUTOJ.pdf
Vitiligo. (2014, December 1). Retrieved December 3, 2014, from
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/vitiligo
What is Vitiligo? (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2014, from http://www.vitiligosupport.org/vitiligo/