A film about the life of Michael Jackson has sparked renewed interest in vitiligo, a skin disorder believed to have contributed to the noticeable change in the skin color of the late American singer Michael Jackson.
The film "Michael" also brought back to the forefront a years-long controversy about the possibility that Jackson used skin-lightening agents.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which the skin loses its color as a result of the destruction of the cells responsible for producing pigment (melanin), leading to the appearance of irregular white patches that may spread to different parts of the body.
Although the disease is not contagious and does not cause physical pain, it can have a significant psychological and social impact on those affected, especially when spots appear in visible areas such as the face and hands.
Doctors emphasize that vitiligo is often misunderstood as merely a cosmetic problem, while its impact extends to mental health and quality of life.
Dr. Dave Patel, a general practitioner with the British National Health Service, said that many patients suffer from low self-esteem and strained social relationships due to changes in skin appearance, noting that the experience varies from person to person but can be deeply impactful.
Regarding Michael Jackson's condition, rumors circulated for years that he used skin-lightening substances, but medical reports confirmed that he had vitiligo, a condition diagnosed in the mid-1980s and later announced.
As his condition progressed, light patches appeared on his hands, prompting him to use a white glove that became part of his iconic image. Later, the loss of pigmentation spread to other areas of his body, including his face and chest. As his condition worsened, he resorted to using cosmetics to even out his skin tone in certain areas.
His autopsy in 2009 revealed the presence of vitiligo alongside lupus, another autoimmune disorder that can affect the skin.
Vitiligo can appear at any age, but it often begins before age 30. It affects all races, but it is more noticeable in people with darker skin.
Doctors indicate that the causes of vitiligo are not fully determined, but it is linked to a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as stress, illness, or skin injuries.
Although there is no cure yet, several treatment options are available, such as topical creams and phototherapy, with varying results.
In recent years, a new treatment called "Roxolitinib" has emerged and has been approved for some patients. It works by calming the activity of the immune system in the skin, which may help to gradually restore color in some cases, especially on the face.
Experts confirm that this development represents an important step in understanding and treating the disease, although more research and effective treatments are still needed.
