Vitiligo

What is vitiligo, and what causes it?

Vitiligo (vit-ill-EYE-go) is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body. Similar patches also appear on both the mucous membranes (tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose), and the retina (inner layer of the eyeball). The hair that grows on areas affected by vitiligo sometimes turns white. The cause of vitiligo is not known, but doctors and researchers have several different theories. There is strong evidence that people with vitiligo inherit a group of three genes that make them susceptible to depigmentation. The most widely accepted view is that the depigmentation occurs because vitiligo is an autoimmune disease -- a disease in which a person's immune system reacts against the body's own organs or tissues. As such, people's bodies produce proteins called cytokines that alter their pigment-producing cells and cause these cells to die. Another theory is that melanocytes destroy themselves. Finally, some people have reported that a single event such as sunburn or emotional distress triggered vitiligo; however, these events have not been scientifically proven as causes of vitiligo.

Who is affected by vitiligo? About 0.5 to 1 percent of the world's population, or as many as 65 million people, have vitiligo. In the United States, 1 to 2 million people have the disorder. Half the people who have vitiligo develop it before age 20; most develop it before their 40th birthday. The disorder affects both sexes and all races equally; however, it is more noticeable in people with dark skin. Vitiligo seems to be somewhat more common in people with certain autoimmune diseases. These autoimmune diseases include hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), adrenocortical insufficiency (the adrenal gland does not produce enough of the hormone called corticosteroid), alopecia areata (patches of baldness), and pernicious anemia (a low level of red blood cells caused by the failure of the body to absorb vitamin B12). Scientists do not know the reason for the association between vitiligo and these autoimmune diseases. However, most people with vitiligo have no other autoimmune disease.

What are the symptoms vitiligo? People who develop vitiligo usually first notice white patches (depigmentation) on their skin. These patches are more commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the body, including the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips. Other common areas for white patches to appear are the armpits and groin, and around the mouth, eyes, nostrils, navel, genitals, and rectum. Vitiligo generally appears in one of three patterns:

1. focal pattern -- the depigmentation is limited to one or only a few areas

2. segmental pattern -- depigmented patches develop on only one side of the body

3. generalized pattern -- the most common pattern. Depigmentation occurs symmetrically on both sides of the body. In addition to white patches on the skin, people with vitiligo may have premature graying of the scalp hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard. People with dark skin may notice a loss of color inside their mouths.

Will the depigmented patches spread?Focal pattern vitiligo and segmental vitiligo remain localized to one part of the body and do not spread. There is no way to predict if generalized vitiligo will spread. For some people, the depigmented patches do not spread. The disorder is usually progressive, however, and over time the white patches will spread to other areas of the body. For some people, vitiligo spreads slowly, over many years. For other people, spreading occurs rapidly. Some people have reported additional depigmentation following periods of physical or emotional stress.

Passion matters.

Soon my precious

I know, I know I started off with a handful of blogs then things dried up. My fault. I’m writing a script for Brett Kelly Entertainment right now and it is taking up all my free time. I’m not complaining mind you. I enjoy the work. I’m just at a point where it takes up all my free time.

I’ll post something new soon. I promise. I’ve got a couple of things (and people) feel the need to rant about.

Hasta,

D

30 Things.

1. I have to see how the movie ends. No. Matter. What.

2. You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will.

3. I have a small circle of friends. Most of them I’ve know for more than twenty years. Some I may have not seen in months (or more) but I know if I need help they will be right there and they know that of me. That’s a friend.

4. I can’t dance. I’ve accept that. Why can’t you?

5. Children are not clay to mold but flowers to unfold.

6. I’ve read several books more than once.

7. I’d rather hear constructive criticism than have my praises sung. Although the second part is still good for the old ego.

8. Treat people the way you want to be treated. As karma can be a bitch.

9. The Bible is just a book rewritten over the ages. A good book, but just a book nonetheless.

10. Orange juice is comfort food.

11. I would like to visit New Zealand and watch the Black Caps play.

12. If you don’t know the answer to something then tell me as I can’t abide those who think they know it all.

13. It doesn’t matter if you paint, draw, carve, write, dance, sing, or pee in the snow but make art.

14. Live life.

15. William Shatner is the greatest actor in the world. You know it’s true. Who else can wrestle a stuntman in a rubber costume and make it look good.

16. There is nothing more annoying than someone who’s right for all the wrong reasons.

17. I’ve been know to watch the same movie twice back to back. Once for the movie itself then with the director’s commentary.

18. If you look at the true idealism behind Star Trek it is truly an idea to behold.

19. Censorship festers when creative joy is abused.

20. The Father, The Son & The Holy Ghost is really The Heart, The Mind & The Soul.

21. Pizza is the most perfect food.

22. I can not watch a movie without popcorn.

23. Every now and again you need to step away from it all and just be.

24. Coffee is life.

25. Be happy. Enjoy life and be who you are.

26. My spelking has nown to suck.

27. Take inspiration where you find it but remember it’s you makes it inspiring.

28. If no offence was intended, then no offence should be taken.

29. We all make mistakes. It’s those who stand and correct them I admire.

30. Life is an adventure. Explore it.

For your ART

Make ART!

Don’t expect to make any money with your art!....

But getting paid is not selling out.

Always be open toward the things that happen around you.....

It might open your mind to new ideas. Listen and learn

But if you know you are right stay the course, so when you fight the power you will power the fight.

Life is too short to pretend you are cool.....

Don’t be afraid of your emotions. You live with them. Enjoy them.....

Exploit yourself for your art. Exploit others for your art.....

However always treat them with love and respect.....

Never fake an orgasm.....

Take good care of your friends. You will need them.....

Face your fears and live your dreams.

Be independent. Be self sufficient. But know when you need help.....

Don’t limit yourself but know your limitations.....

Make ART!

Paint! Draw! Film! Dance! Sing! Carve! Mold! Etch! Pee in the snow!

But make ART!

It’s who you are.

Don't be stupid

A few thoughts.

Recently I was discussing with someone (who will remain nameless through out this) about the pros and cons of the internet. We had a difference of opinion of the availability of information that should be allowed online. I feel the internet is the only truly democratic environment and should be protected but because I disagreed with his point of view I was accused of being a ‘porn-monger’. His words.

In all fairness to his point of view we were talking about ways to block internet porn from reaching children. Something I support but we got off track and it became a rant about free speech and how I was trying to ‘shut him up’.

That was never the case as I shall explain.

Freedom of Speech:

Freedom of Speech is the freedom to speak freely without censorship or limitation and with out fear and suppression.

The right to freedom of speech is recognized as a human right Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and recognized in international human rights law in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The ICCPR recognizes the right to freedom of speech as "the right to hold opinions without interference. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression". Furthermore freedom of speech is recognized in European, inter-American and African regional human rights law.

In a nutshell: Freedom of Speech is the right to seek information and ideas. It is the right to receive information and ideas. It is the right to impart information and ideas.

Freedom of Speech is not a tool to hide behind when spouting ‘hate speech’. Limitations are placed on freedom of speech due to misuse by people furthering their own selfish agenda with no respected for the freedom they are abusing.

That being said I will not stop the abuse as I will not take away your right to freedom of speech. Regardless of how puerile it may be to me.

The only censorship should be self-censorship.

You are free to think freely with out censorship or limitation and with out fear and suppression. Just don’t abuse it. I may disagree with what you are saying but I will defend your right to say it.

Just don’t be stupid.

And that’s all I have to say.

For now.

A reply

The following is a reply to a comment made to me recently;

No coy reply. Fair enough. My views on organized religion itself aside I strongly believe Church and State should never mix.

I personally feel strongly about respecting each and every body's beliefs weather I agree with it or not. I hope I'm affronted the same respect. However I know that in some circles I'm not.

If a man and a man, or a woman and a woman, or a hermaphrodite and a hermaphrodite wish to call themselves married I don't have an issue with it. I don't feel it take away from the definition of a marriage of a man and a woman. (If they pay taxes shouldn't they have the same rights as straight folks?) I don't think Parliament should have the last say (or any say) regarding a man or a woman's right to get married. If church 'A' does not want to perform gay marriages then church 'A' should not have to. However church 'A' has then voided its claim to say that said marriage does not exist. To say otherwise is that not that not discriminatory hate mongering?

If we are all one before God then shouldn't every one of us be affronted the same right before God? (I use uppercase out of respect)

Marriage in the King James Bible is written as a "Union between a man and a woman" Fair enough, but please keep in mind that the Bible has been rewritten time and time again to suit prevailing attitudes and opinions of the day. I'm not saying it's wrong, nor am I saying it right.

I've been called many things but never a 'socialist bully'. Frankly I find that amusing. I've never been one for labels. Left wing, Right wing, Liberal, Conservative, Democrat, Republican, etc… they are all just meaningless labels people use to help them segregate people. But if labeling me a 'socialist bully' makes it easier to present an argument it's your choice.

I've never hide the fact nor have I seriously forced my political or religious views on any one else. So do I lean to the left? Yes. Why? Because I support most of their policies. Not all, but most. More than the policies of the right. I try to do my research before I vote.

It is however unfortunate that we live in a world where narrow minded peopled need a law to be created and enforced the same guarantee their fellow human the same choice.

I have nothing more to say on the matter.

Just getting started

Well, this is my first blog.

Nothing to say right now, maybe latter.

Stay tooned.