• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

I Have Vitiligo

You are more than the eye can see

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Menu
    • Vitiligo Resources
    • Vitiligo Frequently Asked Questions

Do genetics cause vitiligo?

Do genetics cause vitiligo?
Do genetics cause vitiligo?

Question: Do genetics cause vitiligo?

Answer: It is possible that certain genes may increase the risk of vitiligo but genetics are not a proven cause to date. Studies show that variations in several gene combinations that affect the immune system (the way the body fights off infections) may increase the risk of vitiligo. For example, 20% of people with vitiligo also have a thyroid disorder.

Scientists believe that a gene called NALP1 may be involved in the function of the thyroid and skin melanocytes, so a disorder in that gene or harm to that gene from an environmental exposure, could cause both autoimmune disorders. But that does not explain all cases of vitiligo since 80% of people with vitiligo do not have any other autoimmune conditions. Variations in genes that control melanocytes may also play a role in causing vitiligo.

Since most people develop vitiligo as a young adult and are not born with visible symptoms, some scientists believe that these gene changes are caused by environmental exposures or experiences. Some risk factors for vitiligo, which can also affect genes, include:

  • the body’s defenses going into overdrive after fighting off an infection with a virus
  • psychological stress
  • chemical exposure
  • overexposure to the sun
  • skin cuts or abrasions

Therefore some may still consider vitiligo a genetic condition when genes are affected and damaged from the factors listed above causing white patches to occur.

Frustrated With Having Vitiligo?

Join over 25,000 visitors & enter your email below for daily inspirations from me

*We won't share your information with anyone.

Vitiligo FAQs

  • What is vitiligo?
  • What is an autoimmune disorder?
  • What are the symptoms of vitiligo?
  • What causes vitiligo?
  • Who gets vitiligo?
  • Do genetics cause vitiligo?
  • Is vitiligo contagious?
  • Do the vitiligo patches spread over time?
  • What is generalized vitiligo?
  • What is segmental vitiligo?
  • Can vitiligo be treated?
  • What are the major vitiligo treatments?
  • How long does it take to treat vitiligo?
  • Do the vitiligo patches spread over time?
  • I’ve just been diagnosed with vitiligo, now what do I do?
  • What percentage of the population has vitiligo?

Popular posts:

Why vitiligo doesn’t bother me anymore

Does vitiligo go away?

Vitiligo Success Stories

About Me

FacebookTwitter

Google Plus

Follow I Have Vitiligo on Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

© 2023 · I Have Vitiligo · By Keith Evans