Michael Jackson had vitiligo, a chronic skin condition that causes patches of skin to lose their natural color.
Understanding Vitiligo
His diagnosis of vitiligo was confirmed by autopsy. This condition results in the loss of skin pigment in patches, which can appear anywhere on the body.
What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce melanin—the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color—stop functioning or are destroyed. This leads to the characteristic white or lighter areas of skin. While the exact cause is not fully understood, it is generally considered an autoimmune condition, meaning the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells.
Key Characteristics of Vitiligo
- Patches of Pigment Loss: The primary symptom is the appearance of milky-white patches on the skin, which can vary in size and location.
- Affected Areas: These patches often appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, and feet, but can also affect mucous membranes (like the inside of the mouth), hair, and even the retina of the eye.
- Progression: The condition's progression is unpredictable; some people experience only a few patches, while others may have widespread discoloration.
- Not Contagious: Vitiligo is not infectious and cannot be spread from person to person.
- Physical Health: It typically does not cause physical discomfort or pain, but sun sensitivity in affected areas is common due to the lack of protective melanin.
While the visible effects of vitiligo are primarily cosmetic, they can significantly impact an individual's psychological well-being and body image. For more detailed information about vitiligo, you can refer to resources from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
