Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that causes areas of skin to lose pigment. It develops when the immune system damages melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin color.
Vitiligo is not contagious and does not result from infection. It can affect any skin tone, although the contrast may be more noticeable on darker skin.
What does vitiligo look like?
Vitiligo may cause:
- Light or white spots
- Sharply defined patches
- Symmetrical areas of pigment loss
- White hair within an affected patch
- Premature graying
- Loss of pigment around the mouth or eyes
- Loss of color inside the mouth or nose
Commonly affected areas include the:
- Face
- Hands
- Feet
- Elbows
- Knees
- Underarms
- Groin
- Genital area
- Areas surrounding body openings
Some patients develop only a few stable spots. Others experience gradual or rapid spread.
What causes vitiligo?
Vitiligo is most commonly associated with an autoimmune process. Genetics may also contribute, as the condition sometimes occurs in families.
Skin injury, severe sunburn, friction or other stress to the skin can trigger new patches in some patients.
Vitiligo may occur alongside other autoimmune conditions, particularly thyroid disease. This does not mean every patient has another medical problem, but testing may be recommended based on symptoms and history.
How is vitiligo diagnosed?
A dermatologist will examine the affected skin and may use a Wood’s lamp to make areas of pigment loss easier to see.
Blood testing may be recommended to assess thyroid function or another possible autoimmune condition. A biopsy is rarely needed.
Other causes of light patches include tinea versicolor, inflammation, chemical exposure and certain birthmarks.
How is vitiligo treated?
Treatment is optional and is based on the patient’s goals, age, affected areas and whether the condition is spreading.
Options may include:
- Topical corticosteroids
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors
- Topical ruxolitinib for eligible patients
- Narrowband UVB phototherapy
- Targeted light treatment
- Short-term systemic medication for rapidly spreading disease
- Skin-grafting procedures for stable vitiligo
- Camouflage makeup or self-tanning products
- Depigmentation therapy in selected extensive cases
Treatment works gradually, and some areas respond better than others. Maintenance therapy may be needed because pigment loss can recur.
Why is sun protection important?
Skin without pigment burns more easily. Broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing and shade can help prevent burns and reduce contrast between affected and unaffected skin.
Schedule a vitiligo consultation
Not every light patch is vitiligo. The Dermatology Clinic can confirm the diagnosis, assess whether the condition is active and discuss medical treatment, light therapy and cosmetic camouflage options. Contact us today to get scheduled.
