The development of vitiligo starts the moment a few small white patches start appearing on the skin. Feet, hands, face, and arms are the area where most patients first noticed these small dots. On rare occasions, vitiligo starts by affecting a person’s inner ears, genitals, and mucous membranes ( inside of the mouth).
In the last two decades, there has been a major breakthrough regarding what causes vitiligo. Sadly, a definite cure for Vitiligo is still not found but adequate progress has been made to slow its spread.
Medical professionals now say they know most about this autoimmune disease than any other. The advanced research has also helped people understand how and why vitiligo happened on the skin.
Must-read: How Does Vitiligo Start and What Are the Symptoms
Below listed are the factors that doctors have said to be the root cause behind this disease.
1. Inherited Genes
If a close relative has vitiligo then it puts you more at the risk of getting it. Many studies have analyzed that it isn’t something that can be inherited directly from parents but a connection with a first-degree relative is a more common cause.
Even in identical twins if one has it the other is at 23% risk of developing it. Around 30 different genes have been associated with being at higher risk of developing this skin condition. The deciding factor with these genes is how they influence the body and its functions.
2. Autoimmune Disease
In an autoimmune disorder, the white cells in the body start attacking their own tissues and organs. That constant fight between white cells and other healthy cells can weaken the immune system severely over time.
In this case, the cells attack melanocytes specifically, as it is responsible for providing color to hair and skin. Sometimes this skin condition can also be an indicator of another autoimmune disease one might have, especially vitiligo which is caused by the damaged melanocytes.
3. Stress
A stressful environment is something inescapable for the majority of the population. The stress that can trigger vitiligo is not the small worries of daily routine.
It is about a more drastic physical and mental reaction that human beings involuntarily give after getting extremely bad news. That kind of stress can be the root cause of many illnesses.
While many medical researchers are still not convinced that stress can make someone develop vitiligo, there is enough evidence that suggests it might not be completely false.
4. Sunburn
Bare skin exposure to the sun is the root cause of many dermatological issues including Vitiligo. Constant glare of UV rays without an effective sunscreen can destroy the protective layer of skin. Due to this, the inner layer of skin gets more vulnerable.
Eczema, melasma, and many other issues can be faced by a person if stayed out in the sun for too long.
To counter this cause, it is best to slather a good amount of sunscreen and even use preventative gears like an umbrella to stay in the shadow for as long as possible.
5. Diabetes
One of the most dreaded side effects of Diabetes is Vitiligo. Earlier the patients with Type 1 diabetes were more prone to developing Vitiligo but in the last few years, the disease has seen a spike in those who have Type 2 diabetes.
Keep in mind not every diabetic person will have vitiligo but many of them will mistake diabetes blisters for it. The diabetes blisters are also white patches with absolutely no red in them but they heal on their own in three weeks.
6. Pernicious Anemia
According to a recent survey, 1 in every 135 vitiligo patients has also reported pernicious anemia. This is another autoimmune disease that vitiligo causes.
Doctors have studied the genes associated with both of these disorders and they have discovered them to be the same. Just like it is with vitiligo, people with pernicious anemia also carry it through inherited genes.
If a person has both of these disorders it means they have a severe vitamin B12 deficiency, it can be a result of white cells attacking vitamin B12 cells in the intestine.
7. Hormonal Imbalance
Hormone issues are tied to many skin disorders and one of them is Vitiligo. Hormonal imbalance can be one of the vital reasons behind quickly spreading vitiligo.
When the melanin production reduces to a great amount in the body, it can become a triggering factor for Vitiligo.
Extreme stress has also been said to throw off hormonal balance, this also makes people an easy target to getting a skin disorder.
8. Hyperthyroidism
When thyroid glands don’t work properly it affects nails, hair, and skin severely. This abnormal level of thyroid hormones causes either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Vitiligo has been found in the patients of both of these diseases, although it is noted to have prevailed more in patients suffering from hypothyroidism.
One way to spot thyroid issues early is to keep a check on your skin, if it stays itchy, swollen with reddish spots then it is best to get a thyroid test scheduled.
9. Neurogenic Factor
In some cases, neurological abnormalities can be the root cause of Vitiligo. Toxic material can get released from nerve endings and it will be harmful to healthy white cells.
In this scenario, if that toxic release attacked melanocytes then it would result in the person developing vitiligo. The only way to get ahead of this skin disorder is to get thoroughly checked by a dermatologist.
Once the doctor analyzes your gene and gets the necessary tests done, they can tell you if you are at risk or not. In case you have a chance of developing it, the doctors can tell you exactly what can trigger to avoid.
10. Chemical Leukoderma
Handling a chemical substance is always risky but if it’s done without proper safety gear then the reaction can be hazardous. Since skin is the organ that is closest to the dangerous material, it is also the one that gets most affected by it.
It is always best to stay around chemicals with all the precautionary measures otherwise one can end up developing multiple skin disorders.
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