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What Causes De- Pigmented Patches On Skin Of Scalp?
Question: i have a skin condition similar to vitiligo except i wasn't born with it...any suggestions as to the root cause?
Brief Answer:
Vitiligo
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have taken note of your query and I have also reviewed the Image
I can see well defined, de-pigmented patches on skin of scalp and chin. This is vitiligo.
Vitiligo is not necessarily always present at birth. Half of those with vitiligo develop it before the age of 20, and about 95% before age 40.
Between 30-40% of patients have a positive family history and a genetic factor is undoubtedly involved in vitiligo.
The basic underlying factor in vitiligo is destruction of melanocytes...which is the pigment producing cell of skin.
Various theories have been described as responsible for destruction of these melanocytes.
The commonly accepted ones are...
-Autoimmune hypothesis i.e circulating autoantibodies against melanocytes destroy these cells.
-Neurogenic hypothesis i.e a compound released from peripheral nerve endings has an inhibitory effect on melanogenesis and could have a toxic effect on melanocytes.
-Self destruct hypothesis i.e melanocytes destroy themselves due to a defect in a natural protective mechanism that removes toxic melanin precursors.
Regards
Vitiligo
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have taken note of your query and I have also reviewed the Image
I can see well defined, de-pigmented patches on skin of scalp and chin. This is vitiligo.
Vitiligo is not necessarily always present at birth. Half of those with vitiligo develop it before the age of 20, and about 95% before age 40.
Between 30-40% of patients have a positive family history and a genetic factor is undoubtedly involved in vitiligo.
The basic underlying factor in vitiligo is destruction of melanocytes...which is the pigment producing cell of skin.
Various theories have been described as responsible for destruction of these melanocytes.
The commonly accepted ones are...
-Autoimmune hypothesis i.e circulating autoantibodies against melanocytes destroy these cells.
-Neurogenic hypothesis i.e a compound released from peripheral nerve endings has an inhibitory effect on melanogenesis and could have a toxic effect on melanocytes.
-Self destruct hypothesis i.e melanocytes destroy themselves due to a defect in a natural protective mechanism that removes toxic melanin precursors.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
my grandfather developed vitiligo in his mid 30s...i am 40....could this be bought on by a gluten allergy, Crohn's disease, or some GI dysfunction?
Brief Answer:
Crohn's disease and vitiligo have an association
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Association of Crohn's disease and vitiligo has been seen.
Regards
Crohn's disease and vitiligo have an association
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Association of Crohn's disease and vitiligo has been seen.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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