What Causes Vitiligo?

I just found out I might have vitiligo... how did this happen? Can you get vitiligo from other people, or is it genetic or something?

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It is not well understood what causes vitiligo. It is...

It is not well understood what causes vitiligo. It is unlikely that it is transferred from other people though. It is a skin disease which is characterized by a lack of melanocytes (pigment cells) in the skin. Several studies suggest that the disease is genetic but is probably caused by several different genes. About 30% of patients who suffer from vitiligo have relatives who also have vitiligo.
D.J. Verret, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
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