Understanding Vitiligo - Causes & Theories, April 2011

Vitiligo is a common pigmentary disorder in which the pigment producing cells of the skin (melanocytes) are absent or do not function. As a result, lighter patches of skin appear on various parts of the body due to the lack of melanin (pigment).

The exact cause of vitiligo is still not well understood and many theories exist. In this video we explore established and recent theories that explain the loss of epidermal melanocytes to help patients gain a better understanding of what causes vitiligo.

The cause of vitiligo is generally accepted to be an autoimmune disease where the individual's own immune system destroys the melanocytes. However the variety of clinical and experimental features along with different family histories suggests that vitiligo might be the end product of several pathological pathways. It is thought that genetic factors, accumulation of toxic compounds, altered cellular environment, autoimmunity and impaired melanocyte function could all contribute to vitiligo.

Let us know what you think of our videos on our Photoprotection Network http://www.clinuvel.com/facebook

We have set up a dedicated vitiligo webpage with information and resources http://www.clinuvel.com/en/vitiligo

Visit our blog for guest vitiligo bloggers (including Lee Thomas) and recent vitiligo news and stories http://www.clinuvel.com/en/blog/category/vitiligo-2/

Visit out vitiligo article for further information on vitiligo causes, symptoms, types and treatments http://www.clinuvel.com/skin-conditions/pigmentary-skin-conditions/vitiligo

See our channel for more vitligo videos http://www.youtube.com/user/photoprotection

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[Ullimately]

Ddi you research pseudo catalase which reduces the hydrogen peroxide amount in the affected areas?

[photoprotection]

@Ullimately hi there. This isn't part of our research; we are focusing on the potential of our drug to help repigment lesions in combination with NB-UVB.

[moonbearwolf]

I have wondered for yrs, if Vitiligo can be or is connected to Porphyria..?

Those of us with Porphyria have issues with small spots to large patches of pigment gain & loss... Curious if anyone has compared the 2 & if they could be connected?

[photoprotection]

@moonbearwolf We're not aware of any studies linking vitiligo and any of the porphyrias. While the causes of porphyria are well established, the exact cause of vitiligo is still largely unknown, but there's no link that we're aware of. If you're interested, the work of R Spritz on vitiligo genetics may be worthwhile reading.

[parnmkie]

vary interesting video

[photoprotection]

Thank you for your comment, we are glad you find the video interesting. If you have any suggestions as to videos you would like to see you can post your ideas/thoughts on our facebook page clinuvel*com/facebook (replace * with .) or look for the link in the description.

[Ullimately]

@photoprotection Oh its about YOUR research.

Maybe you should look into pseudo catalase as part of your research because that helps to lower the hydrogenperoxide amount often found increased in the affected areas.

The pseudo catalase cream has to be activated with UV rays after application.

[CatEyedAtieq666]

i hv vitiligo but the slow process....ouh darn.....

[Huskylover71077]

I have vitiligo :D

[BlueBackup]

+ radioactivity.

[Devethia]

Thank you. I have vitiligo and any new information is helpful to me.

[Ogo1406]

very interesting and enlightening