Definition of vitiligo Vitiligo

/vitɪˈlɪgow/ - [veetiligow] - vit•i•li•go

We found 7 definitions of vitiligo from 6 different sources.

What does vitiligo mean?

Plural: vitiligoes

vitiligo - an acquired skin disease characterized by patches of unpigmented skin (often surrounded by a heavily pigmented border)

disease of the skin, skin disease, skin disorder a disease affecting the skin

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vitiligo (n.)
A rare skin disease consisting in the development of smooth, milk-white spots upon various parts of the body.

vitiligo
Usually progressive, chronic pigmentary anomaly of the skin manifested by depigmented white patches that may be surrounded by a hyperpigmented border.

Vitiligo is a long lasting skin disease that causes the losing of color from the skin. It occurs when the melanocytes, cells that give skin their color, die or do not work.

How is it caught?

The exact cause of vitiligo is complex and not fully understood. It may be caused by the immune system, genetic, and environmental factors.

Vitiligo may also be caused by stress that affects the immune system, leading the body to react and start eliminating skin pigment.

People over 20 years old rarely develop this disease. These patches often occur to both sides symmetrically and may change shape.

Effects of vitiligo.

This disease can also affect the mental state of the patient.

Curing it.

Today, doctors do not understand what causes the disease, so right now, it can not be cured. Some things can be done to fight its effects, though. Makeup or cosmetics can cover up the parts of the skin with vitiligo. Also, staying out of the sun to prevent tanning is good. But the treatment given by most skin doctors is cortico steroid cream.

Breakthrough discovery in 2004 allowed for the transplant of melanocytes to vitiligo affected areas, repigmenting the region.