Vitiligo is a relatively common skin disorder, in which white spots or patches appear on the skin. These spots are caused by destruction or weakening of the pigment cells in those areas, resulting in the pigment being destroyed or no longer produced. In most cases, vitiligo is believed to be an autoimmune-related disorder. Although researchers are not exactly sure what causes the automimmune response, more is being learned every year. In vitiligo, only the color of the skin is affected. The texture and other skin qualities remain normal.
People who develop vitiligo usually first notice white patches or spots (depigmentation) on their skin. The skin remains of normal texture, and there is usually no itching or other symptoms. These patches are more obvious in sun-exposed areas, including the hands, feet, arms, legs face, and lips. Other common areas for white patches to appear are the armpits and groin and around the mouth, eyes, nostrils, navel, and genitals. Vitiligo generally appears in one of three patterns. In one pattern (focal pattern), the depigmentation is limited to one or only a few areas. Some people develop depigmented patches on only one side of their bodies (segmental vitiligo). But for most people who have vitiligo, depigmentation occurs on different parts of the body (generalized vitiligo), often similar on each side of the body. In addition to white patches on the skin, some people with vitiligo may experience white hair growing in on the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard. In extremely rare cases, vitiligo can affect eye color or the pigment of the retina.
June 24, 2005
I first noticed a difference in Jaxson's skin in November 2004 while changing his diaper. I had never noticed it before, and wondered at first, if it was due to something he ate. I was certain it was not there the day before, but maybe I just didn't pay close enough attention. I honestly thought that his skin was turning darker to begin with. He has the same pattern on both legs, from his hips down to his feet.
When I brought him into his pediatrician, she brought in another doctor to look at him. They kind of laughed, saying it looked like he had coffee spilled on him. And it did. The doctor that came in to look said he thought maybe it was Vitiligo (I had no idea what this was at the time) and that there wasn't anything that can be done. It was no big deal is what he said.
Well, I let it go until the first week in June, 2005. I finally was able to get him into a dermatologist, who diagnosed Jaxson with Vitiligo.
Since Jax is so young, they aren't going to start treatment yet. They did advise to keep sunscreen on him, and watch so he doesn't burn. We go back in October for further options.
American Vitiligo Research Foundation
Vitiligo Support
VitiClear
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