This Is Vitiligo

Michael Jackson showing signs
of vitiligo on his face and neck. 

With what would have been Michael Jackson’s 53^rd birthday occurring this past Monday, August 29^th, many throughout the world celebrated the legacy of the “King of Pop.”  Jackson was a transcendent, entertainment icon whose incredible talent and mysterious persona made him a popular figure within the media. 

Although he may have been most well known for his music, his constantly evolving skin tone seemed to garner almost as much attention.  According to Jackson, in a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey, his changing skin tone was attributed to a condition called vitiligo.  Vitiligo is very rare skin disorder (effecting less than 2% of the population) that causes de-pigmentation of areas of the skin.  This occurs when cells responsible for skin pigmentation (melanocytes) die or are unable to function properly.  Although the cause is unknown, some believe it can be linked to genetics or stress.  It is typically a progressive condition that can arise at any age, usually developing small in size.

With Jackson, the condition first appeared in the early 1980s, and according to a longtime friend, he started wearing his signature sequin glove on his right hand to cover early signs of the condition.  In the years following, he received much criticism and ridicule for his evolving skin tone.  This is something that is relatively common to experience for those who suffer from vitiligo, due to society’s lack of understanding about the condition.  This can in turn lead to serious psychological effects, causing sufferers to take desperate measures to hide their symptoms.  Although the condition effects all skin tones and types, it is more noticeable the darker the skin.  

Currently there is no cure for vitiligo, but there are many different treatment options available, talk to your dermatologist today if you believe you may have vitiligo.