Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition where pale or white patches gradually appear on different parts of the body. These patches form when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys melanocytes — the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. When this happens in areas with hair, the hair may also turn white or silver.
Who does vitiligo affect?
Vitiligo can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, or ethnicity, although it’s more noticeable in people with darker skin. Most people notice the first signs — small light patches or macules — before they turn 30.
Certain autoimmune conditions can increase your risk of developing vitiligo, such as:
•Addison’s disease
•Anemia
•Type 1 diabetes
•Lupus
•Psoriasis
•Rheumatoid arthritis
•Thyroid disorders
Symptoms of vitiligo
Vitiligo typically starts as a pale patch that may gradually turn completely white. Sometimes, the center of the patch is white, surrounded by a lighter-toned border. If blood vessels are visible underneath, the area might appear pink instead.
Commonly affected areas include:
•Around the mouth and eyes
•Fingers and wrists
•Armpits and groin
•Genitals
•Inside the mouth
•The scalp or anywhere with hair follicles
The edges of the patches might be smooth or uneven, and in some cases, they may look red, inflamed, or show a brownish tint (known as hyperpigmentation). Although the patches usually don’t cause any discomfort or dryness, they may occasionally feel itchy.
The extent of skin involvement differs from person to person. Some develop only a few small spots, while others experience larger patches that may merge over time. Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict how the condition will progress, and the patches are usually permanent.
Triggers
Several factors may trigger or worsen vitiligo, including:
•High-stress events like childbirth
•Skin trauma such as cuts or severe sunburn (known as the Koebner phenomenon)
•Hormonal shifts like those during puberty
•Liver or kidney issues
•Exposure to certain chemicals
Importantly, vitiligo is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person.
How is vitiligo treated?
Vitiligo is a cosmetic condition and does not harm your physical health, so treatment isn't medically required. However, if it affects your emotional well-being or self-esteem, there are options available to even out your skin tone — either by restoring pigment (repigmentation) or removing the remaining pigment (depigmentation).
Treatment options include:
•Medications
•Light (phototherapy) treatment
•Depigmentation therapies
•Surgical procedures
•Psychological counseling
What can I expect if I have vitiligo?
Living with vitiligo can be emotionally challenging due to changes in appearance. It's not unusual to feel self-conscious or anxious in social settings. Many people benefit from speaking with a mental health professional to build confidence and cope with the emotional effects.