What is "vitiligo"

Vitiligo \Vit`i*li"go\, n. [L., a kind of tetter, fr. vitium blemish, vice.] (Med.) A rare skin disease consisting in the development of smooth, milk-white spots upon various parts of the body.

1650s, from Latin vitiglio "a kind of cutaneous eruption, tetter" (Celsus), perhaps with an original sense of "blemish," from PIE *wi-tu-, from root *wei- (3) "vice, fault, guilt" (see vice (n.1)).

n. 1 The patchy loss of skin pigmentation. 2 (context obsolete English) alphos, a form of leprosy.

n. an acquired skin disease characterized by patches of unpigmented skin (often surrounded by a heavily pigmented border)

Vitiligo is a long term skin condition characterized by patches of the skin losing their pigment. The patches of skin affected become white and usually have sharp margins. The hair from the skin may also becomes white. Inside the mouth and nose may also be involved. Typically both sides of the body are affected. Often the patches begin on areas of skin that are exposed to the sun. It is more noticeable in people with dark skin. Vitiligo may result in psychological stress and those affected may be stigmatized.

The cause is typically unknown. It is believed to be due to genetic susceptibility that is triggered by an environmental factor such that an autoimmune disease occurs. This results in the destruction of skin pigment cells. Risk factors include a family history of the condition or other autoimmune diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, alopecia areata, and pernicious anemia. Vitiligo is classified into two main types: segmental and non-segmental. Most cases are non-segmental meaning they affect both sides and typically get worse with time. About 10% of cases are segmental meaning they mostly involve one side of the body and do not typically worse with time. Diagnosis can be confirmed by tissue biopsy.

There is no known cure for vitiligo. For those with light skin, sunscreen and makeup is all that is typically recommended. Other treatment options may include steroid creams or phototherapy to darken the light patches. Or efforts to lighten the unaffected skin, such as with hydroquinone, may be tried. A number of surgical options are avaliable for those who do not improve with other measures. A combination of treatments generally has better outcomes. Counselling to provide emotional support may be useful.

Globally about 1% of people are affected by vitiligo. Some populations have rates as high as 2–3%. Males and females are equally affected. About half show the disorder before age 20 and most develop it before age 40. Vitiligo has been described since ancient history.

Vitiligo is the debut album from rapper & singer Krizz Kaliko. His debut album comes after spending several years lending his voice to releases from Tech N9ne and his other labelmates. The album's title comes from the skin disorder that Krizz suffers from, Vitiligo.

The album contained several guests features, most noticeable being Tech N9ne, who appeared on a good portion of the album. Other names who appeared on the album include the group Twiztid, bay area rapper E-40 as well as several of Kaliko's fellow label mates. The clean version of the album included one more feature, King Gordy, on the track "Mirror, Mirror." Those who pre-ordered the album through F.Y.E. received a free bonus downloadable track titled "In Da Whip."

In its release week, Vitiligo found its way onto several Billboard charts. Among them were the Billboard 200 at #167, Top Independent Albums at #19 and Top Rap Albums at #20.