Vitiligo
Sources consulted
This article is original patient-education content.
- WHO—Health topics A–Z(2024)
- NHS—Health A to Z(2024)
- CDC—Health topics(2024)
Based on international clinical guidelines
Overview
Vitiligo is a skin condition where the skin loses its natural color in patches. This happens because the cells that make pigment (the substance that gives skin its color) stop working or die. The white patches can appear anywhere on the body, and they can grow or stay the same over time. Vitiligo is not contagious and does not hurt, but it can affect how people feel about their appearance.
Key facts
- Vitiligo is not a skin cancer and does not increase your risk of cancer.
- It can start at any age, but many people first notice it before age 20.
- The white patches are more noticeable in people with darker skin tones.
- Vitiligo is not caused by an infection and cannot be spread to others.
Yes, vitiligo is fairly common. It affects about 1 in every 100 people worldwide.
Vitiligo can affect people of any age, gender, or skin colour. It often starts in childhood or young adulthood, but it can appear later in life as well. It affects all racial and ethnic groups equally.
Symptoms
- ⚠If you notice a very rapid spread of white patches over a large area of skin within a few weeks, or if the patches become painful, itchy, or blistered, see your doctor within a day or two.
- ⚠If you have vitiligo and develop a sudden fever or signs of infection in a patch (redness, swelling, warmth), seek medical attention promptly.
Common symptoms
- White or very light patches of skin that are usually smooth and have a clear border with the surrounding skin.
- Patches can appear anywhere, but are most common on the face, hands, elbows, knees, and genitals.
- The hair on affected skin may also turn white or grey.
- Patches may slowly grow in size or new patches may appear over time.
Symptoms in children
- Children with vitiligo often develop patches on the face (especially around the eyes, mouth, and nose) and on the knees, elbows, and hands.
- Patches may appear after a minor skin injury (this is called Koebner phenomenon).
- The condition is not painful or itchy, but children may feel self-conscious about the patches.
Symptoms in older adults
- In older adults, vitiligo patches can be more widespread and may involve the scalp, leading to white hairs.
- The patches may be more noticeable against aged skin that has other signs of sun damage.
- Older adults may also develop vitiligo on the eyelids or lips.
Causes
Main causes
- Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition. This means the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin.
- It is not caused by something you did or did not do. It is not related to diet, hygiene, or stress, although stress can sometimes make it worse.
- There may be a genetic link – vitiligo can run in families.
Risk factors
- Having a family member with vitiligo or another autoimmune disease (like thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, or alopecia areata) increases your risk.
- Having another autoimmune condition yourself also raises the risk.
- People with darker skin may be more likely to have vitiligo diagnosed because the patches are more visible.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- If white patches appear very quickly over a large area, or if they are accompanied by fever or other symptoms of illness, see a doctor urgently.
Book a routine appointment if:
- If you notice any white patches on your skin that are new, changing, or causing you worry, it is a good idea to see your GP or a dermatologist.
- If you have vitiligo and want to discuss treatment options, make a routine appointment.
- If you are feeling very upset or anxious about the appearance of your skin, speak to your doctor – they can help you find support.
Diagnosis
A doctor (usually a dermatologist) can usually diagnose vitiligo just by looking at your skin. They may use a special lamp called a Wood's lamp to make the patches more visible. This is painless and takes only a few minutes.
Tests that may be done
- A Wood's lamp exam – shines ultraviolet light on the skin to highlight areas of pigment loss.
- A skin biopsy – removing a tiny piece of skin to examine under a microscope, though this is rarely needed.
- Blood tests – to check for other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease, which are more common in people with vitiligo.
What to expect at your appointment
The diagnosis is usually straightforward. The doctor will ask about your medical history, family history, and when the patches first appeared. They may also ask about any other symptoms you have. After the exam, they will explain what vitiligo is and discuss treatment options if you want them.
Treatment
Vitiligo does not have to be treated if you are not bothered by it. If you do want treatment, the goals are to even out skin tone and possibly restore some colour. Treatment can take months and results vary. No treatment is a cure, and the condition may still progress. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.
Self-care at home
- Protect all your skin (including the white patches) from the sun every day using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, because white patches can burn very easily.
- Use camouflage makeup or self-tanners to blend patches if you want to. Many brands offer products that match your skin tone.
- Wear clothing that covers patches if you feel more comfortable that way – but also give yourself permission to show your skin as it is.
Medical treatments
Doctors may recommend treatments that aim to restore colour to the patches. These include creams or ointments that help calm the immune system in the skin (corticosteroids or other topical immune modulators). Another option is light therapy (phototherapy), which uses narrow-band ultraviolet B light to stimulate pigment cells. This is usually done in a hospital or clinic several times a week for months. For some areas, a doctor may suggest a treatment called excimer laser, which targets specific patches. In some cases, small pieces of skin from normal areas may be grafted onto white patches (skin grafting), but this is only done if patches are stable and not spreading. Your doctor will talk to you about which option, if any, might suit you. Do not use any treatments without professional advice.
When is surgery considered?
Surgical options like skin grafting or melanocyte transplantation are occasionally considered if other treatments have not worked and the patches have been stable (not growing) for at least a year. These are not common and require a specialist discussion.
Living with this condition
Living with vitiligo involves managing sun exposure, making choices about covering up or not, and looking after your emotional wellbeing. Many people learn to accept their skin as part of who they are. You can still do everything you enjoy – swimming, sports, and outdoor activities – just remember sun protection.
Lifestyle tips
- Use sunscreen daily and reapply every two hours if you are outside.
- Avoid tanning beds, as they increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
- Choose clothing and hats that protect your skin from the sun.
- If you use makeup or self-tanner, test on a small area first to avoid irritation.
Diet and exercise
There is no special diet that cures vitiligo. Eating a balanced, healthy diet is good for your overall health. Some people try supplements like vitamins or antioxidants, but there is no strong evidence they help, and they can be harmful in large doses. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Exercise is safe and can help you feel good both physically and mentally.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Vitiligo can affect how you feel about your appearance. Some people feel self-conscious, embarrassed, or anxious, especially if patches are on visible areas. It is normal to have these feelings. If they start to interfere with your daily life, or if you feel depressed, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. You deserve support.
Prevention
There is currently no known way to prevent vitiligo. Because it is an autoimmune condition, it cannot be stopped from starting. However, if you have vitiligo, protecting your skin from the sun can prevent sunburn and skin damage to the white patches.
Complications
If left untreated
- The white patches can spread or grow larger over time. This is not harmful to your health, but it may change your appearance.
- The risk of sunburn on the white patches is higher, which can increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer over a lifetime.
- Some people may develop autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease or alopecia areata, so regular checkups with your doctor are a good idea.
Long-term outlook
Vitiligo is a lifelong condition, but it is not dangerous. Many people live full, happy lives with vitiligo. Some patches may regain colour on their own, but this is not predictable. Treatments can help restore some colour, but they do not work for everyone. The most important thing is to take care of your skin and your emotional health. You are not alone, and support is available.
Find support
International organisations
Local organisations
- The Vitiligo Society (UK) ↗ · United Kingdom
External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.
Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.