Vitiligo FAQ

Can Cells "Burn Out"? A Brief Look at Melanocyte Strikes

A patient asked: "My body is fine, why would my melanin suddenly go on strike?"

Imagine that there is a group of "painters" in our skin, and they are responsible for making melanin. But when you are under immense pressure, lack sleep, or have some unstable factors in your genetic makeup, the "security police" (immune cells) in your body will suddenly misidentify people, thinking that these "painters" are enemies, and thus launch an attack.

This situation is called an "autoimmune response". What is the result? The painters are driven away or injured and resting, and that piece of skin loses its color. Therefore, vitiligo is actually a "warning signal from the body", telling you: Hey, you need to rest!