Genetic Disposition
Some theories of Vitiligo Causes suggests that Vitiligo is entirely genetic, and that there is a defect in the melanocytes that makes them more susceptible to injury. Almost 30% of Vitiligo patients have a history of another family member having Vitiligo. Also Vitiligo has been observed in monozygotic twins although the extent, age of onset, and severity may or may not be similar in the twins.Genes are inherited in a random fashion from both sides of parents, so only sometimes the genes which make a person susceptible to Vitiligo come together in the same person. Those people who do inherit a complete set of genes are mostly suspected of suffering form Vitiligo but they may need some other factor to trigger the Vitiligo and the white patches of Vitiligo to appear. In this way Vitiligo genes can pass through several generations of a family without anyone actually developing Vitiligo.
As with all genes, people may carry the defect that causes Vitiligo, and even pass it on to their children, without ever developing Vitiligo themselves. Thus other factors, including environmental and personality factors, may play a role in the onset (beginning) of Vitiligo.
Currently, researchers are studying the genetic aspects of Vitiligo, using gene-sequencing computers and the mapping of the human genome to determine how genetic therapy and technology might help treat or arrest Vitiligo.
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