Has anybody ever heard of this disease?!
Question: The story does not say whether it is peculiar to black people or how it happens. I would imagine, as the story says, however, that it must be quite debilitating. So probably we were laughing at Michael Jackson, when all the time he was just trying to cover up the effects. Just goes to show that we should not be judgmental.
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/condi...
Answers: The story does not say whether it is peculiar to black people or how it happens. I would imagine, as the story says, however, that it must be quite debilitating. So probably we were laughing at Michael Jackson, when all the time he was just trying to cover up the effects. Just goes to show that we should not be judgmental.
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/condi...
Yes In fact I have that disease. I am "white" person with it. I read that certain vitamins might help but can't remember what they are.
I've heard of it.
Not to be confused with alphos, a form of leprosy once called vitiligo.
Vitiligo (pronounced /?va?dl?a?go?/) or leukoderma is a chronic skin condition that causes loss of pigment, resulting in irregular pale patches of skin. The precise cause of vitiligo is complex and not fully understood. There is some evidence suggesting it is caused by a combination of auto-immune, genetic, and environmental factors. The population incidence worldwide is considered to be between 1% and 2% (0.74% in the United States).
According to Diseases Database: "A disorder consisting of areas of macular depigmentation, commonly on extensor aspects of extremities, on the face or neck, and in skin folds. Age of onset is often in young adulthood and the condition tends to progress gradually with lesions enlarging and extending until a quiescent state is reached."
Signs
Half of people with vitiligo develop patches of de-pigmented skin appearing on extremities before their 20s. The patches may grow, shrink, or remain constant in size. Patches often occur symmetrically across both sides on the body. Occasionally small areas may repigment as they are recolonised by melanocytes. The location of vitiligo affected skin changes over time, with some patches re-pigmenting and others becoming affected.
In some cases, mild trauma to an area of skin seems to cause new patches - for example around the ankles (caused by friction with shoes or sneakers). Vitiligo may also be caused by stress that affects the immune system, leading the body to react and start eliminating skin pigment.
Vitiligo on the scalp may affect the color of the hair (though not always), leaving white patches or streaks. It will similarly affect facial and body hair.
Famous people with vitiligo
* Thomas Lennon, of Reno 911!, as evidenced by close-ups of his hands during the bike lock scene of episode "The Investigation Continues."
* Doc Hammer, artist and co-creator of The Venture Bros. has vitiligo on his scalp, causing his hair to grow two different colors.
* J.D. Runnels, of the Chicago Bears.
* Sisqo, solo and lead singer of Dru Hill reports having vitiligo.
* Fez Whatley, of the Ron and Fez show has vitiligo patches on his face.
* Joe Rogan, actor/comedian/host.
* Bryan Danielson, professional wrestler, revealed on May 19, 2007 in an interview for F4W.
* Big Krizz Kaliko, singer/rapper of the Strange Music record label. He has even named his debut album after the condition (with slightly altered spelling), Vitaligo (The Funkra).
* John Henson, comedian and co-host of Watch This!
* Kara-Louise Horne from Big Brother 8 suffers a mild case of vitiligo visible on her forehead. It also runs into her hairline resulting in a blonde patch of hair.
* Graham Norton, who has white patches in his hair as a result of vitiligo.
* Hedvig Lindahl, Swedish football player.
* Lee Thomas, a Detroit Fox Broadcasting Company affiliate news anchor and entertainment reporter.
* Rasheed Wallace of the Detroit Pistons has it on his scalp.
* Michael Jackson music performer / dancer said it was the cause of his skin to turn black to white.