Understanding Vitiligo - Causes & Theories, April 2011

Vitiligo is a common pigmentary disorder in which the pigment producing cells of the skin (melanocytes) are absent or do not function. As a result, lighter patches of skin appear on various parts of the body due to the lack of melanin (pigment).

The exact cause of vitiligo is still not well understood and many theories exist. In this video we explore established and recent theories that explain the loss of epidermal melanocytes to help patients gain a better understanding of what causes vitiligo.

The cause of vitiligo is generally accepted to be an autoimmune disease where the individual's own immune system destroys the melanocytes. However the variety of clinical and experimental features along with different family histories suggests that vitiligo might be the end product of several pathological pathways. It is thought that genetic factors, accumulation of toxic compounds, altered cellular environment, autoimmunity and impaired melanocyte function could all contribute to vitiligo.

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We have set up a dedicated vitiligo webpage with information and resources http://clinuvel.com/pharmaceuticals/scenesse/scenesse/vitiligo

See our channel for more vitligo videos http://www.youtube.com/user/photoprotection

Видео Understanding Vitiligo - Causes & Theories, April 2011 канала The Photoprotection Channel