Vitiligo is a skin condition in which the pigment producing cells of the skin called as melanocytes are destroyed. Melanocytes produce melanin which impacts brown colour to skin so the loss of these cells causes the loss of colour causing white patches.
Vitiligo (pronounced vit-il-EYE-go) is a skin condition where certain areas of your skin lose their color and turn white or lighter than your normal skin tone and white patches appear on your skin. These lighter spots are called:
Macules if they’re smaller than 1 cm. Patches if they’re larger than 1 cm.
If the white spot appears where there's hair (like on your scalp or eyebrows), the hair may also turn white or silver.
The exact reason isn’t fully known, but it’s usually because your immune system mistakenly attacks your own color-making cells. It can also run in families or be triggered by things like stress or skin injuries. While vitiligo can sometimes appear at the site of an injury (a response known as the Koebner phenomenon), it doesn’t mean the injury caused it. Vitiligo often develops without any clear trigger and is usually linked to autoimmune or genetic factors, not just physical trauma.
Your immune system mistakenly attacks the melanocytes — the special skin cells that make melanin (the pigment that gives your skin, hair, and eyes their color). When these cells are damaged or destroyed, they stop producing melanin, leading to the white patches you see on the skin. There are three theories on the causation:
Malfunction of the nerves may cause deranged nerve supply and subsequent damage to the melanocyte.
Sometimes the body destroys its own tissue, perceiving it as being foreign. This is known as auto immune reaction, which may also be the cause of melanocyte damage.
Some researchers believe that the melanocytes can self-destruct and certain triggers like trauma, trigger this self-destruction.
Vitiligo affects approximately 1% of the population. The inheritance pattern is complex since Vitiligo is caused by multiple factors. On an average it has been found 20 to 30% of all Vitiligo patients have at least one close relative afflicted by the disease.
No. Vitiligo is not transmissible to family members or contacts.
There are reports of pigment loss shortly after an emotional stress, psychological crisis or some major illness.
Sometimes a physical trauma to an area may lead to the development of the disease in that area.
Diet does not appear to play any role in the appearance or continuation of the disease.
Vitiligo is not contagious, which means it does not spread by touch.
Vitiligo presents as an asymptomatic white or off-white patch on the skin. The hair overly the area may also lose colour and become white other than loss of colour. Skin affected by Vitiligo is completely normal.
Vitiligo can affect the skin at different areas of the body. Depending on the area of involvement, different types of Vitiligo are seen.
Lip-tip vitiligo- involvement of the lips and the tips of the fingers and toes
Segmental Vitiligo-involvement of an area or a body in a linear fashion
Focal Vitiligo- involvement of small localised area of skin
Generalised Vitiligo- involvement of a large area of the body
All white patches on the skin are not Vitiligo. A Dermatologist can help differentiating between the different types of white patches. A dermatologist will also suggest the optimal mode of therapy and counsel the patient and his/her family about the disease.
Vitiligo can be usually diagnosed based on clinical appearance and bedside test such as woods lamp examination.
Rarely a small piece of skin (skin biopsy) may be examined to differentiate with go from other white spots on skin.
Among patients having 15% may also have other auto immune diseases such as thyroid disease, rheumatoid disease, diabetes, perishes, anaemia, blood test may be needed to confirm the absence of these diseases
The goals of treatment are to control the spread of disease and to regenerate pigmentation in the areas that have lost the same. Treatment choice is based on number, site, extent of involvement and patient convenience. Also, supportive camouflage treatment helps to reduce social problems while patient is on corrective therapy.
Various treatment options include
Medical treatment : medical treatment includes oral medication and topical cream, which may achieve the objective of stopping the spread of disease and regaining pigmentation in most areas
UV therapy : Ultraviolet therapy includes exposing the affected areas to ultraviolet A or ultraviolet B therapy. Ultraviolet A is usually given with a drug called as psoralen that can be used orally or applied topically to the affected area and then exposed to UV A. Narrow band UVB light is usually given by making the patient stand in a light box or by exposing a localised area to focus beam of NB UVB light. Multiple sessions of UV light therapy are required at a frequency of 2 to 3 sessions per week.
Surgical therapy: surgical treatment, such as taking skin gras from a person’s own body and transplanting the entire skin or the melanocytes in an affected area. This is usually done when the disease is stable, not increasing in size or number. Various surgical grafting modalities like Punch grafting, blister grafting , grafting, and melonocyte transfers are described.
Tattooing: Tattooing the vitiligenous skin and cosmetic camouflage can help cover the white patches
Skin protection: Protecting the skin against exposure is very important and can be achieved by wearing full sleeve clothes and sunscreen.
Counselling: Understanding the innocuous and cosmetic nature of the disease can help prevent psychological distress. It is important to also understand the limitation of therapy and providing a complete pigmentation working with and supporting the doctor through therapeutic course, gives better results
Vitiligo can occur in young children. There are fewer options in children as compared to the adult. NB UVB can be used in children, but psoralen and UVA light is recommeded only after the age of 12 years. Topical cream and lotion can be used under the supervision of a Dermatologist.
Vitiligo is an auto immune disease and therefore, as with any other auto immune disease, it cannot be fully cured. Treatment can slow its progress and in many cases prevent further spread of the disease. However, the disease may after stopping the treatment which can be treated effectively. A person consult a dermatologist at a very early stage, proper treatments with regular follow-up, increase the chances of pigmentation.
Yes, a person with can marry. Vitiligo is not contagious and therefore any individual afflicted with this conditiona does not need to abstain from any activity, including physical contact.
In case of a school going child, the teachers, the support staff of school and parents of other teachers need to be sensitised about the innocuous nature of the disease and special care to be taken by the school to prevent psychosocial harassment of the child by his or her peers.
Fact: Vitiligo is not dangerous, harmful, or painful. It doesn’t make you sick and doesn’t cause any internal damage. It simply causes some areas of your skin to lose color due to a lack of pigment (melanin). However, while it doesn't affect physical health, it can impact mental and emotional health due to changes in appearance.
Fact: Absolutely not. Vitiligo is not contagious. You can’t catch it from someone by touching, hugging, sharing food, or being near them. It’s not an infection or virus. You can safely spend time with someone who has vitiligo just like you would with anyone else.
Fact: People of all skin tones can get vitiligo. It often stands out more on darker skin, which is why it may be noticed more easily. But it can affect anyone — men, women, children — no matter their background or complexion.
Fact: This is one of the oldest and most widespread myths. There is no scientific proof that eating certain foods, or combinations of foods, causes vitiligo.
Fact: While vitiligo doesn’t hurt the body physically, it’s much more than just a “cosmetic problem.” It can deeply affect how a person feels about themselves. People may feel embarrassed, anxious, or even depressed because of how their skin looks. That’s why emotional support and understanding are just as important as medical treatment.
Fact: While there’s no full cure yet, several treatments can help. These include creams to reduce inflammation, light therapy (also called phototherapy), and medications that help restore skin color. Some people also use makeup to even out their skin tone. The goal is to manage the condition in a way that works best for each person. Seeking treatment and counselling from experienced dermatologists is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
Fact: Not true. Vitiligo affects everyone differently. In some people, it starts and then stops — they may only have a few patches that don’t change much. In others, it might slowly spread over time. It’s unpredictable, and there’s no one-size-fits-all pattern. Vitiligo is unpredictable and varies from person to person.
Fact: Vitiligo is a medical condition — that’s it. It’s not caused by anything a person did or didn’t do. It’s not a curse, punishment, or result of bad behavior. Blaming people for it is both incorrect and hurtful.
Fact: In most cases, vitiligo cannot be prevented. Since it’s usually linked to immune system issues or genetics, there’s no guaranteed way to stop it from developing. However, taking care of your skin, protecting it from the sun, and managing overall health can help support skin wellness.
Fact: While the main symptom is white or light patches on the skin, vitiligo can also affect areas where there’s pigment — like hair, eyebrows, eyelashes (which may turn white), and even the inside of the mouth or eyes. But again, it doesn’t damage internal organs or physical health.
Fact: Vitiligo is not something to be feared. People with vitiligo are just like everyone else. They deserve the same kindness, respect, love, and opportunities as anyone. Their skin may look different, but they are not weak, sick, or “less than.” Treating them with compassion helps create a more accepting and inclusive world.
Fact: Vitiligo is a completely separate condition and not related to skin cancer, leprosy or albinism.
Fact: People with vitiligo can go out in the sun, but they should be careful. Since the white patches lack melanin, they can burn more easily. Using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours can help protect the skin. Sunlight in moderation is not harmful — in fact, some treatments for vitiligo involve controlled light exposure.
Vitiligo affects appearance—not health or character. By replacing myths with facts, we can build a world where people with vitiligo feel seen, supported, and celebrated — not judged or misunderstood.
Whether you or someone you know is living with vitiligo, remember: skin may lose color, but confidence, kindness, and courage can shine even brighter.
Consulting a dermatologist is the most effective way to address vitiligo and receive personalized care and guidance.
Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.
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