About Vitiligo - 28 Nov `24A Brief History of Vitiligo

About Vitiligo

Vitiligo has been recognized for over 4,000 years, with early references found in ancient texts and cultures worldwide. The Rig Veda (~1500 BC) described depigmentation as "Kilas," likened to a white-spotted deer. Ancient Egyptian records (Ebers Papyrus, 1550 BC) and Indian scriptures (Atharva Veda, 1400 BC) also documented skin depigmentation. By 250 BC, translations of religious texts like the Bible began conflating vitiligo with leprosy, fostering misinterpretations and social stigma.

The term "vitiligo" likely stems from the Latin "vitelius" (white calf flesh) and was first used by Celsus in De Medicina (~1st century AD). Scientific breakthroughs came much later, with discoveries in the 16th to 19th centuries identifying skin layers, melanocytes, and their role in pigment production. In 1917, Bruno Bloch linked melanocytes to melanin synthesis, closing centuries of inquiry into the cause of depigmentation.

Despite its long history, vitiligo has often been misunderstood, leading to discrimination rooted in ancient beliefs. Today, the identification of melanocytes has paved the way for modern understanding and treatment of this condition.

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(Adapted from "Vitiligo and the Melanocyte Reservoir" by Dr. Rafael Falabella.)



FAQOther Questions

  • Shall I take vitamin D for my vitiligo?

    Vitamin D plays a central role in the prevention of different inflammatory and chronic diseases. Consuming 1,000–4,000 IU (25–100 mcg) of vitamin D3 daily should be ideal for mo...

  • Can Ayurveda help with vitiligo?

    Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition characterized by white patches of skin that can develop and spread unpredictably. While there is no cure, medical treatments and complementar...

  • What is the best therapy for localized vitiligo?

    Localized vitiligo, where the white patches are limited to one or a few areas of the body, can be managed with a few treatment approaches. The best therapy usually depends on th...