On the Etiology of Vitiligo and Gray Hair
August 1971
in “
The American Journal of Medicine
”
vitiligo gray hair melanocytes melanin production hypopigmented areas exposed skin body folds orifices areas of trauma hair family history of vitiligo early graying skin discoloration white patches pigment cells skin pigment light skin areas visible skin skin creases body openings injury areas genetic predisposition to vitiligo premature graying
TLDR Melanocytes are destroyed by factors needed for melanin production, causing vitiligo and gray hair.
The document discussed the etiology of vitiligo and gray hair, suggesting that melanocytes are destroyed by factors required for melanin production. Vitiligo, affecting at least 1% of the global population, poses significant cosmetic and health issues, especially in dark-skinned individuals. Clinical findings from hundreds of patients indicated that hypopigmented areas commonly appear on exposed skin, body folds, orifices, areas of trauma, and hair. The condition can start at any age, with half of the cases beginning before age 20, and more than half of the patients having a family history of vitiligo or early graying.
