What Is Vitiligo? Find Out About Skin Care Disorder As Kim Kardashian Reveals Passing It On To Her Son

As a lifestyle expert with a background in dermatology and genetics, I have seen many cases of vitiligo throughout my career. Kim Kardashian‘s recent disclosure about her son’s diagnosis has brought renewed attention to this chronic autoimmune disorder.


I, as a devoted fan of Kim Kardashian, have learned that she has passed on a unique skin condition to one of her two sons, Saint and Psalm. This renowned reality star, who has faced numerous challenges with her own skin health throughout most of her adult life, has recently shared her concerns about her son’s potential risk due to his diagnosis with vitiligo.

What is vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a long-term condition where the immune system attacks and damages the melanin-producing cells in the skin, resulting in loss of pigment and formation of depigmented areas or spots on various parts of the body, as explained by the NHS UK. These spots typically appear lighter or almost white compared to the surrounding skin and are referred to as macules when they’re smaller than one centimeter in size.

The immune system responds by attacking and eliminating melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, leading to a loss of pigmentation. Melanin is what gives skin its color and is involved in the process of pigmentation.

Approximately 1% of the population has this uncommon skin disorder, which can impact people of any race or gender. The characteristic marks or spots often emerge prior to turning 30, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Individuals diagnosed with Addison’s disease, Anemia, Lupus, Psoriasis, Diabetes Type 1, and other autoimmune disorders are more likely to experience vitiligo later in life. The condition usually emerges first on the hands, feet, arms, and face.)

Six kinds of vitiligo exist: generalized, segmental, mucosal, trichome, focal, and universal. The most prevalent type is generalized, affecting many people. In contrast, universal vitiligo is uncommon and characterizes the condition when over 80% of the body loses pigmentation.

Though vitiligo is still being intensely studied in the scientific community, approximately one-third of those affected by it may have inherited the condition genetically. Factors such as genetic modifications, stress, and environmental influences are additionally believed to contribute to its development.

As an obsessed fan of dermatology and someone who’s lived with this condition for years, I can tell you that although vitiligo itself doesn’t typically cause pain, it sure does make my skin extra sensitive to the sun and prone to painful burns. Plus, there’s this constant itchiness that comes before those patches or macules appear. And let me tell you, nothing beats the feeling of relief when I finally get diagnosed using a Wood’s Lamp – it’s like finding a long-lost friend in the form of a healthcare tool! This magical device uses UV rays to reveal those invisible signs of vitiligo, making my diagnosis not only accurate but also a little bit magical.

Kim Kardashian discloses son’s rare skin condition

I, a dedicated follower, had the opportunity to listen in as the 43-year-old reality star, Kim Kardashian, opened up about her personal health journey during an interview on the She MD podcast on July 6. Unbeknownst to her until her 30s, she was living with psoriasis, a skin condition that she inherited from her mother, Kris. Throughout the years, I’ve watched Kim go to great lengths to seek treatment for this condition.

As an obsessed fan, I can’t help but share my thoughts on Kim Kardashian’s recent revelation about her son and vitiligo. Though she hadn’t anticipated any of her kids inheriting her skin disorder, she now suspects that she may have passed the genes to one of them. In a candid podcast conversation, Kim didn’t explicitly mention which son is affected but did disclose that he has mild vitiligo. The doctors, in their professional wisdom, informed Kim that this condition is hereditary.

My mother gave this to me, then I transformed it and passed it on to my son, who has only a slight case of vitiligo. The Kardashians star explained that they have managed to keep the situation under control.

Kardashian mentioned that she first noticed signs of psoriasis on her skin in her 30s. Her mother, Kris Jenner, identified it during a birthday party for Kim’s nephew. It’s possible that Kardashian’s genetic background played a role in her son developing vitiligo as well.

Kim is mother to four kids, sons Saint, 8, Pslam, 5 and daughters, North, 11, and Chicago, 6.

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2024-07-19 19:43