Crystal,

       I have never had a mom with vitiligo on the areola, but it is
hereditary in my family--both an uncle and cousin have it.  In vitiligo,
individuals arbitrarily lose their melanocytes, the cells in the stratified
squamous epithelium that produce melanin.  It should have NO effect on
breastfeeding.  However, it is common with people who have thyroid disorders,
Addison's disease, and several other disorders--so if this mom has not had a
regular physical and blood test--NOW would be a good time to get one.

       Luckily, vitiligo is mainly a cosmetic problem.  Usually the darker
the skin, the  more annoying the condition.  Most of us have seen individuals
who have lighter patches of skin on darker pigment, and that is usually
vitiligo.  Chances are that Michael Jackson has this condition, and that is
why he appears to be whiter every year.

Debbie Albert, Ph.D., IBCLC
Tampa Lactation Counseling
Tampa, FL

In a message dated 4/28/02 7:55:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> Have any of you ever had a mother this skin disorder and if so were there
> any problems with bf?
>

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