Your skin is turning white likely due to a condition called vitiligo.
This happens when melanocytes, the skin cells responsible for producing pigment (melanin), are attacked and destroyed. Since melanin gives your skin its color, its absence results in white patches.
Vitiligo Explained:
- What is it? Vitiligo is a condition where the skin loses its pigment cells (melanocytes), resulting in discolored patches in different areas of the body.
- How does it appear? The white patches often appear symmetrically, meaning they show up on both sides of your body in similar locations (e.g., both hands, both knees). This symmetry is a common characteristic of vitiligo.
- Cause: The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it is considered an autoimmune disorder. This means your immune system mistakenly attacks the melanocytes.
In summary, the whitening of your skin is probably caused by the destruction of pigment-producing cells, most likely from Vitiligo. Consulting a dermatologist is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of this condition.