Many genetic loci have been identified, all related to the immune system, except for TYR which encodes tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanin production and a major autoantigen in vitiligo. Genetic factors appear to contribute to 80% of vitiligo risk, whilst environmental factors account for 20%. Vitiligo is due to the loss or destruction of melanocytes ( melanin-producing cells). Vitiligo is also three times more common in recipients of allogeneic bone marrow and stem-cell transplants than in the healthy population.

Other autoimmune dermatologic conditions, eg, psoriasis and lichen sclerosus.

Insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus (mostly adult-onset).

Other less frequently associated autoimmune disorders with vitiligo are:.

The strongest association is with thyroid disease, which can affect up to 15% of adults and 5–10% of children with vitiligo.

More than 20–30% of the affected individuals report vitiligo in a first or second-degree relative.Īutoimmune disease development has been associated with generalized vitiligo, the most common type of vitiligo, especially if there is a family history of vitiligo and other autoimmune disorders.Inheritance: follows a polygenic pattern, with a 23% monozygotic twin concordance, supporting the cause of vitiligo to be multifactorial ( genetic and non-genetic environmental factors).80% of all cases present before the age of 30.50% of non-segmental vitiligo cases start before the age of 20.41% of segmental vitiligo cases start before the age of 10.Typically, there are two peaks of onset, early (<10 years) or late (around 30 years).

Onset: the average age of onset is between 20–24 years, but can occur at any age.Women tend to constitute a higher percentage of overall outpatient visits, due to greater concerns about cosmetic appearance.Sex: both men and women appear to be equally affected.More common in India (up to 8.8% of the population).Less common in the Han Chinese population.Race: relatively consistent incidence in all races, but appears to be:.Vitiligo affects 0.5–2% of the population. Click here for more images of vitiligo Who gets vitiligo?

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