Vitiligo is a condition that causes patchy loss of skin coloring (pigmentation). The average age of onset of vitiligo is in the mid-twenties, but it can appear at any age. It tends to progress over time, with larger areas of the skin losing pigment. Some people with vitiligo also have patches of pigment loss affecting the hair on their scalp or body. Vitiligo is generally considered to be an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues and organs. In people with vitiligo the immune system appears to attack the pigment cells (melanocytes) in the skin. About 15 to 25 percent of people with vitiligo are also affected by at least one other autoimmune disorder, particularly autoimmune thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, pernicious anemia, Addison disease, or systemic lupus erythematosus. In the absence of other autoimmune conditions, vitiligo does not affect general health or physical functioning. However, concerns about appearance and ethnic identity are significant issues for many affected individuals.

Variations in over 30 genes, occurring in different combinations, have been associated with an increased risk of developing vitiligo. Two of these genes are NLRP1 and PTPN22. The NLRP1 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is involved in the immune system, helping to regulate the process of inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the immune system sends signaling molecules and white blood cells to a site of injury or disease to fight microbial invaders and facilitate tissue repair. The body then stops (inhibits) the inflammatory response to prevent damage to its own cells and tissues.

The PTPN22 gene provides instructions for making a protein involved in signaling that helps control the activity of immune system cells called T cells. T cells identify foreign substances and defend the body against infection.

The variations in the NLRP1 and PTPN22 genes that are associated with an increased risk of developing vitiligo likely affect the activity of the NLRP1 and PTPN22 proteins, making it more difficult for the body to control inflammation and prevent the immune system from attacking its own tissues.

Studies indicate that variations in a number of other genes also affect the risk of vitiligo. Many of these genes are also involved in immune system function or melanocyte, biology, and variations in each likely make only a small contribution to vitiligo risk. Some of the gene changes associated with an increased risk of vitiligo have also been associated with an increased risk of other autoimmune conditions.

The Journal of Dermatitis is an open access, peer-reviewed scientific journal dealing with articles on various aspects of Dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, spongiotic dermatitis, chronic dermatitis, skin dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, sweat dermatitis, facial dermatitis, neurodermatitis, advances in atopic dermatitis treatment, advances in perioral dermatitis, advances in stasis dermatitis treatment, acute dermatitis treatment, Natural Remedies for Dermatitis, Acrodermatitis, Dyshidrotic eczema, Baby Eczema, Nummular Eczema, Advances in Eczema Cure, Eczema Herpaticum, Eczema Natural Treatment, Dyshidrotic Eczema Home Remedies, Scalp Eczema, Hand Eczema, Alternative Medicine for Eczema, Hypnosis, Traditional Chinese herbs, Probiotics, Herbal Medicine for Eczema and Chinese Medicine for Eczema.

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