Overview
Vitiligo is a long-term condition in which patches of skin lose their colour and become paler or white, because the cells that make pigment stop working or are destroyed. It can affect any part of the body and is more noticeable on darker skin. It is not contagious or painful, but can affect confidence and wellbeing.
Symptoms
- Smooth, pale or white patches of skin
- Patches often appear first on the hands, face, around the eyes and mouth, or in skin folds
- Premature whitening of hair, eyelashes or eyebrows
- Patches may be symmetrical or limited to one area
- No scaling, itching or pain in most cases
Causes & risk factors
- Loss or malfunction of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes)
- Thought to be an immune-related (autoimmune) process
- Often runs in families
- Sometimes linked with other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease
- May be triggered or worsened by skin injury, sunburn or stress
Treatment & self-care
There is no single cure, and care focuses on protecting the skin, restoring colour where possible, and supporting wellbeing. Options a clinician may discuss include treatments applied to the skin, light (phototherapy) treatment, and cosmetic camouflage. Sun protection is important because affected skin burns easily. A dermatologist can advise on what suits you.
See a doctor urgently if
- You notice new or spreading areas of skin colour loss
- You want advice on treatment, camouflage or sun protection
- The condition is affecting your mood, confidence or daily life
- You have symptoms suggesting a thyroid or other autoimmune condition such as tiredness or weight changes