Greetings to you all,

My question here is, can Vitiligo (Skin disease) start from different cleaning detergents like powder soap (OMO)? I have got some skin disease probabely the above mentioned disease. I am still under treatement. I don't have any one in my familly with this problem so could it be Vitiligo? And if so can it be cured? And how? Please tell me.
Thank you

:confused:

DEFINITION :-

vitiligo, noun.a skin disease characterized by the lessening or loss of pigment, in which smooth, whitish patches of various shapes and sizes appear, especially on the parts of the body exposed to the sun.

Cleaning chemicals should not be blamed for this ailment.

Hi, Asmeret!

What is quoted below, is from the following site. Vitiligo & substances that should be avoided, dermabest.com

Quote:

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Vitiligo and substances that should be avoided...

Anyone suffering from Vitiligo (or any other skin depigmentation) should avoid any substance that could cause or worsen depigmentation including the following:

Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is a topical acne product which exhibits antibacterial activity. This is how it works: it presents antimicrobial effects against Propionibacterium acnes, which is the predominant organism in sebaceous follicles and comedones. The main mechanism of action of benzoyl peroxide depends on the release of oxygen free-radicals, which are capable of oxidizing bacterial proteins. However, this same mechanism can also damage melanocytes in people with skin depigmentation.

Hydroquinone: this is a product that inhibits melanogenesis. It may achieve this by inhibiting one or more steps in the tyrosine-tyrosinase pathway of melanin synthesis. As a results it causes skin depigmentation. Arbutine is a glucoside of hydroquinone and is hydrolysed to hydroquinone. Both products cause skin depigmentation.

Hydrogen peroxide: commonly used to disinfect the skin and for the cleaning of wounds.

Trichloroacetic acid, Phenolic acid, Glicolic acid, Fruit acids and, in general, creams and lotions used for peelings.

Retinoic acid and its by-products used in certain topical preparations.

Shampoos and cosmetics used to clear skin complexion.

Substances used for bleaching.

Any other chemical substance capable of irritating or damaging the skin should be carefully avoided.

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There is also considerable information that can be found on the following site which you might want to check out.

Vitiligo Blog

Also, from the following site is something that should be interesting and helpful. Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Information Library

Quote:

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Although the precise cause of vitiligo is not known, one theory is that the immune system of people with this condition produces cells or antibodies that destroy the body's own pigment-producing cells, mistaking them for a foreign invader. There may be a genetic predisposition to vitiligo, because it often runs in families.

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So, it would seem that certain chemicals can cause and potentially exacerbate certain skin conditions. However, in order to know for sure if something is Vitiligo, you would need to be examined personally by a physician.

Thanks!