Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder characterized by the loss of melanin, leading to white patches on the skin that can appear anywhere on the body. It affects about 1% of the global population and is linked to genetic inheritance, trauma, and other autoimmune diseases. While it does not cause physical harm, vitiligo can lead to significant psychological distress and social stigma.

1. VITILIGO A CHRONIC SKIN DISORDER VitiligoGuide.com

2. Altern ative names of Vitiligo Leukoderma Derived from two Greek words “Leuko” & “Derma” “ Leuko” means white & “Derma” means skin VitiligoGuide.com

3. What is Vitiligo? An acquired skin pigmentation disorder Characterized by white patches Often surrounded by a heavily pigmented border VitiligoGuide.com

4. Who is affected by Vitiligo? 1% of the world population Irrespective of sex and race "blood relatives" of a person with vitiligo (Not always) VitiligoGuide.com

5. Effects of Vitiligo Gradual loss of melanin resulting in depigmentation White patches on different parts of the body which may start progression Psychological disorders Does not cause any organic harm (Physical harm or disability) VitiligoGuide.com

6. Symptoms & Course of Vitiligo White patches on the skin which may vary in size or shape (No fix pattern) These patches may appear on different parts of the body The hair present on the affected areas sometimes turn white These patches may start progression and sometimes re-pigment on its own VitiligoGuide.com

7. Causes of Vitiligo Inheritance ( 30% of vitiligo affected people inherit this skin disorder ) Severe mental or physical trauma Other autoimmune diseases VitiligoGuide.com

8. Association with other Diseases Pernicious Anemia Hypothyroidism Addison's Disease VitiligoGuide.com

9. Types of Vitiligo VitiligoGuide.com

10. Generalized Vitiligo Generalized vitiligo has three types Acrofacial Vitiligo: Occurs on the parts away from the center of the body Affects distal end of fingers and facial orifices in circumferential pattern. Vulgaris Vitiligo: Scattered patches Widely distributed Universal Vitiligo: Nearly complete depigmentation VitiligoGuide.com

11. Localized Vitiligo Localized vitiligo has three types Focal Vitiligo: Limited to one or few areas Does not progress Not clearly in a segmental distribution Segmental Vitiligo: Unilateral and asymmetric in distribution Only one side of the body is affected Common in children Usually pursues a stable course Mucosal Vitiligo: Mucous membranes are affected VitiligoGuide.com

12. Psychological Aspects of Vitiligo Sometimes causes severe psychological and social damage Can result in discrimination especially in 3rd world countries Can be confused with Leprosy VitiligoGuide.com

13. Conclusion Vitiligo is chronic skin disorder that produces white patches on skin It may start at any age and affect any part of the body The main causes of this disease are inheritance and mental or physical trauma It is a non-lethal disease It may cause devastating psychological and social problems like tension, embarrassment or loss of self-confidence VitiligoGuide.com