Roughly 1.9 million people are diagnosed withvitiligoin the United States.
Vitiligo doesnt discriminate, and it is found relatively equally in all ethnicities and sexes.
This article discusses important facts and statistics about vitiligo.
Westend61 / Getty Images
Westend61 / Getty Images
Vitiligo Overview
Vitiligo is anautoimmune disorderthat presents asdepigmentation of the skin.
The patches can occur anywhere.
However, they are most commonly found on the head, face, neck, and hands.
Once the condition develops, it continues to progress and worsen over time.
In some cases, the patches of white skin may improve or stop growing.
How Common Is Vitiligo?
When segmental occurs, it affects only one area of the body.
Roughly 9 out of every 10 cases of vitiligo are considered non-segmental.
Is Vitiligo on the Rise?
Because of that, information regarding the increase or decrease in cases is scarce.
Vitiligo by Ethnicity
All ethnicities are affected by vitiligo.
By 30, roughly 70% to 80% of vitiligo cases will have already developed.
When it comes to which sex is most affected, the research has been inconsistent.
Vitiligo and Aging
People who have vitiligo have it for life.
Once it develops, it can be managed or left alone since it poses no health threat.
Causes of Vitiligo and Risk Factors
The exact cause of vitiligo isnt well understood.
That said, some factors increase the risk of someone developing vitiligo.
Because of that, screening and early detection are not necessarily needed.
Typically, the patches of white skin develop and cause no pain or irritation.
The condition presents as white patches of skin on various parts of the body.
The disease develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin pigment cells.
Both sexes are thought to be affected equally.
Research is still ongoing because many studies have come to different conclusions regarding the prevalence rates in both sexes.
Vitiligo typically develops before 30.
Most cases appear between childhood and age 20.
Once the skin condition emerges, it cannot be cured.
Treatments usually focus on changing the cosmetic appearance of the white patches.
Vitiligo affects all age groups equally because once you develop the condition, you have it for life.
Adult onset vitiligo can come on for many reasons, and stress is just one of them.
UK National Health Service.Vitiligo.
