What are the main symptoms and causes of vitiligo?

Condition analysis:
The light/white blotches of skin associated with vitiligo form when melanocytes fail to produce melanin. It is not known what causes melanocytes to die or stop producing melanin, but the following may play a role: 1) Autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body mistakenly attacks and destroys its own cells. Hyperthyroidism is one such condition that may launch an immune response against melanocytes. 2) Family history. Individuals with a family history of vitiligo are more likely to inherit the genetic factors that affect melanocyte function. 3) Distress. Excessive stress or exposure to sun and certain hazardous chemicals may also trigger pigment loss.

The main symptom of vitiligo is pigment loss on the skin. The light/white blotches generally appear before the age of 20 and can vary in size and number. This condition is not associated with physical pain or discomfort. Symptoms may appear as:
-- Discolored skin on the face, arms, hands, or feet (most common)
-- Discolored skin on other parts of the body (armpits, genitals, rectum, etc.)
-- Light colored tissue along the inside of mouth and nose
-- Loss of color in the hair (head, eyebrows, eyelashes, and facial hair).

Instructions:
To get the most out of the vitiligo diet you should be familiar with the principles of the diet and how they work to combat inflammation. There are just a few "rules" to remember and if you follow these rules you will be ok…
Eat a balanced diet of a variety of whole, healthy foods – mostly fruits (except blueberries) and vegetables.
Eat only "good" fats and avoid saturated or bad fats. (More on this later)
Consume at least one serving of omega-3 fatty acids every day.
Eat a diet high in protein from lean sources, such as fish and chicken.
Eat whole grains – preferably non-GMO or highly processed – every day.
Get lots of water.
Try to avoid any processed or refined foods like soda, chips, pizza, fast food, sugar, etc.