Vitiligo, a condition affecting approximately 1% of the global population, is often misunderstood. While it has a minimal impact on overall health, its significance goes beyond being a mere skin disorder. The pigmentation deficiency it causes transforms an individual’s skin into a unique canvas, telling a story of beauty and resilience. However, some individuals are more predisposed to developing vitiligo than others. Discover the 10 factors that increase the likelihood of developing vitiligo.
Family History
Genetics play a role in the inheritance of this disease. One of the most known ways to have a predisposition to vitiligo is to inherit it from a family member. While there are multiple factors that play into the development of vitiligo, there is a known 20% who have this condition that have documented at least one relative who are also affected. Therefore, if you have a family member, who you know has vitiligo, your chances of having it as well significantly increase. In this case, the apple truly does not fall far from the tree.
Vitamin D Levels
Do you know if you have low vitamin D levels? Well if you do, you have a higher chance of developing vitiligo. Vitamin D is a nutrient that is very beneficial to the body. It contributes to a multitude of functions in the bodies, such as muscle movement and bone health. As for the skin, vitamin D promotes collagen, protects against sun damage, prevents premature aging and more. A regulatory or substantial amount of vitamin D can increase what is known as tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis which plays a huge part in the pigmentation of the skin.
The amazing thing about this is that there are preventative measures that can be taken. They can lessen the probability of low vitamin D levels being a contributing factor to the development of vitiligo. Eating foods that are rich in vitamin D, getting sun exposure, and taking supplements all can boost vitamin D levels. Irregardless of a concern for vitiligo, it is important to make sure that your vitamin D levels remain in range.
Stress
High levels of stress trigger the immune system to take action. When this happens an overabundance of times, the immune system is in turn weakened. This makes the body susceptible to illnesses and even skin conditions such as vitiligo. The higher the level of stress, the more likely the immune system will begin to attack melanocytes. This can contribute to the onset or progression of vitiligo. Patients with vitiligo have higher levels of catecholamines, neuropeptides and cortisol and when the body experiences high levels of stress, the levels of these bodily components are in result increased, making them comparable to vitiligo patients.
Remember an extreme amount of stress decreases the functionality of the immune system. If you are suffering from an abundance of stress, take action and find the correct outlet to create a calm and healthy body. Stress prompts much larger issues than discoloration of the skin.
Sun Exposure
The sun can definitely trigger or worsen vitiligo. This is because of UV radiation, which can damage melanocytes with a large amount of exposure. The majority of the time vitiligo, activated from sun exposure, occurs in childhood, however this doesn’t mean that you should be careless when it comes to skin protectants. Make sure when you go outside you are taking the correct precautions to safely protect your skin from any potential sun damage.
Chemical Skin Damage
Chemicals that can cause vitiligo are phenol-containing compounds. These certain chemicals exposed to the skin can lead to depigmentation. If melanocytes are injured, analogs of the amino acid tyrosine disrupt melanogenesis and result in inflammation and autoimmunity can lead to the production of vitiligo.
Michael Jackson was one of the most well-known celebrities who was credited for having vitiligo. Although, what you may not know is that his vitiligo was likely minor at best. It is speculated that he used chemically damaging products to lighten his complexion with the goal of evening the bi-colored blotches that were caused by this condition.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is a rare but serious condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient steroid hormones, particularly cortisol and aldosterone. This hormonal deficiency can lead to a variety of symptoms, including hyperpigmentation, low blood pressure, gastrointestinal issues, and adrenal crises. One of the most noticeable signs of Addison’s disease is hyperpigmentation, which often appears in areas exposed to friction, such as elbows, knees, and knuckles. Additionally, many individuals with Addison’s disease are susceptible to developing vitiligo, a condition characterized by the loss of skin pigment. This connection is particularly strong in those with autoimmune disorders, as the likelihood of developing vitiligo increases with the presence of such conditions. Addison’s disease is most commonly caused by an autoimmune response, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands. This autoimmune attack not only leads to adrenal insufficiency but also increases the risk of other autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia, and chronic thyroiditis. The presence of these autoimmune conditions further elevates the risk of developing vitiligo. While Addison’s disease is rare, affecting approximately 1 in 100,000 people in the United States, its impact on those diagnosed is profound. The condition can affect individuals of all age groups and genders, though it is most commonly diagnosed in people aged 30 to 50. Understanding Addison’s disease requires a comprehensive look at its symptoms, causes, and associated conditions. By recognizing the signs and seeking appropriate treatment, individuals with Addison’s disease can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by the body’s inability to absorb sufficient vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient for red blood cell production. This deficiency leads to a reduced number of functioning red blood cells, which are essential for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body.
Studies have shown that vitamin B12 absorption is a complex, multistep process involving the release of B12 from food proteins in the stomach and its protection from acid degradation by salivary haptocorrin. When this process is disrupted, it can result in pernicious anemia, leading to various health issues, including vitiligo.
Vitiligo, a condition characterized by the loss of skin pigmentation, can occur when areas of the body are deprived of the oxygen and nutrients carried by red blood cells. This connection between pernicious anemia and vitiligo highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications.
Psoriasis
Do you see how common the direct relationship between developing vitiligo and autoimmune diseases are? Psoriasis is also an autoimmune disease, it causes abnormal patches on the skin that are often itchy, dry and sore. Typically patients see psoriasis on their scalp.
A study showed that people living with vitiligo are more than three times as likely to develop psoriasis, and those already diagnosed with psoriasis are more than twice as likely to develop vitiligo than the overall population. Moral of the story, if you have one of either of these disorders, your chances of developing the other is much higher.
Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disease is incredibly common, encompassing various forms such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter, thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis. In simple terms, thyroid disease results from an imbalance of hormones, which significantly impacts the body’s proper functioning. Symptoms of thyroid imbalance include extreme heart rate fluctuations, unexplained weight loss or gain, anxiety, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Research indicates that individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing multiple autoimmune disorders. Notably, patients with any type of thyroid imbalance should be screened for vitiligo, as studies have shown a significant association between thyroid disorders and vitiligo.
Type 1 Diabetes
The prevalence of developing vitiligo as a patient with type one diabetes is much greater than an individual who does not have this complication. The component of insulin resistance is theorized to play a large role in impacting the pathophysiological mechanisms that impact skin conditions, such as the development of vitiligo.
The reality is, autoimmune disorders are likely to be interlinked. Therefore, the relationship between type one diabetes and a common disease that causes skin depigmentation known as vitiligo will remain to be causatory of each other.
