Does anyone suffer from a history of Vitiligo?

[Dbis22]

I've had WG 21 years. It started when I was 35. I have had Vitiligo (a loss of pigmentation in the skin) from the age of about 18. I have always wondered if there is any connection other than that both conditions are immune system disorders.

[John_Mills Volunteer]

We had never heard of Vitiligo so we have looked it up. Apparently it is associated with autoimmune diseases. Apparently Micheal Jackson had it and Graham Morton has it. We understand there is a Vitiligo Society. It will be very interesting to see if you receive any answers to your question.

[Dbis22]

Well, I didn't want to name drop! Yes, the late Mr Jackson did have it .... and he did his best to hide it by allegedly bleaching the rest of his skin. My Mother had it so it may be hereditary. Medical students are always interested! Although it is definitely auto-immune related I believe I can trace its onset to a very bad case of sun-burn ..... in Nice when I was 19! Interestingly there do seem to be quite a lot of Asian people who suffer or that may just be that it is more visible. As I am old and ugly anyway it actually doesn't bother me now!