About Dr. Gaurav Garg – The Best Dermatologist in Delhi

Vitiligo runs in families, but the inheritance pattern is complex, and only some whose close relative has vitiligo are likely to develop it. About 30 % of people build vitiligo because it runs in their families, and about one-fifth of the people with this condition have at least one close relative who is also affected. So yes, family history can be the cause of vitiligo.

Free radicals eat unstable molecules that are highly reactive due to unstable electrons. They are produced during the normal metabolic process or when your body is exposed to pollution, smoking, or certain chemicals. They interact with lipids and proteins in the body by stealing their electrons and destabilizing them. This leads to the destabilization of other cells and a chain reaction. This imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants leads to oxidative stress and hence leads to melanocyte loss, thus causing vitiligo.

Hormonal changes that occur during puberty and menopause can also trigger vitiligo. Hormonal imbalances particularly linked to thyroid disorders like Hashimoto's disease or Grave's disease are associated with vitiligo. Other hormones that may also be involved in vitiligo are testosterone, estrogen, ACTH, MSH, and melatonin..

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease. People with Vitiligo are more likely to develop other autoimmune disorders as well, like autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. People with vitiligo who have other autoimmune disorders can also benefit from being referred to a specialist..