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Vitiligo

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. A condition in which skin loses its pigment, resulting in white patches of skin.
2. A chronic skin disorder where the body’s immune system attacks pigment-producing cells, leading to uneven skin tone.
3. A disorder that causes depigmentation in the skin, hair, and sometimes eyes.
4. A condition where melanocytes (the cells responsible for skin color) are destroyed, causing lighter areas of skin.

History and Origin

The word “vitiligo” comes from the Latin vitium, meaning “defect” or “blemish,” and -igo, a suffix used to form names of diseases. It was first used to describe this skin condition in the 19th century, although the condition itself has been recognized for thousands of years. The term has evolved over time as medical understanding of the disorder has progressed, from simply being seen as a cosmetic issue to being understood as an autoimmune disorder.

Detailed Explanation

Vitiligo is a skin condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This results in patches of skin that lose their pigment and become lighter than the surrounding skin. Vitiligo can occur anywhere on the body and may affect not only the skin but also the hair and eyes. The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve genetic factors, environmental triggers, or immune system malfunctions. The condition is not contagious and is not a result of poor hygiene or diet. The patches of skin affected by vitiligo may remain the same size, grow, or develop new spots over time.

Example Sentences

1. She was diagnosed with vitiligo, which caused patches of white skin on her hands.
2. Vitiligo can affect people of all skin types, though it may be more noticeable in those with darker skin.
3. There are several treatments available for vitiligo, but there is no cure for the condition.
4. He found comfort in the fact that vitiligo does not cause any physical pain or discomfort.
5. The vitiligo on her face became more noticeable over the years, but she embraced it as part of her identity.
6. Doctors recommend using sunscreen on areas affected by vitiligo to protect them from sunburn.
7. Vitiligo can sometimes cause emotional distress due to its visible nature.
8. The spread of vitiligo on his body was slow, but it eventually covered several parts of his arms.
9. Vitiligo is not a skin infection, and it cannot be transmitted to others through touch or contact.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Leukoderma – A term for skin conditions characterized by depigmentation or loss of skin color, similar to vitiligo.
2. Piebaldism – A genetic condition that causes depigmented patches of skin, often similar to vitiligo but inherited.
3. Albinism – A genetic condition resulting in little or no melanin production, which can sometimes be confused with vitiligo.
4. Hypopigmentation – A general term for lighter skin patches caused by reduced pigmentation, which can include vitiligo.
5. White patches – A casual term describing the light spots of skin that appear with vitiligo, though this is not a medical term.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Melanin – The pigment responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes, which is absent in areas affected by vitiligo.
2. Autoimmune disorder – A condition where the body’s immune system attacks its own cells, like in vitiligo, where it attacks melanocytes.
3. Skin pigmentation – The coloring or appearance of skin, which is disrupted in vitiligo.
4. Depigmentation – The loss of pigment from the skin, a key feature of vitiligo.
5. Patch – A specific area of skin affected by vitiligo, often lighter or white in color.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Psoriasis – A skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches, often confused with vitiligo, though the causes are different.
2. Eczema – A condition that causes inflamed, itchy skin, which is sometimes mistaken for vitiligo, but it does not involve depigmentation.
3. Lupus – An autoimmune disease that can cause skin rashes and sometimes depigmented areas, which might resemble vitiligo.
4. Tinea versicolor – A fungal infection that can cause lighter or darker skin patches, sometimes confused with vitiligo.
5. Michaelsen’s syndrome – A rare genetic disorder that may cause depigmentation similar to vitiligo.

Antonyms

1. Hyperpigmentation
2. Tan
3. Bronzing
4. Pigmented
5. Coloration