Vitiligo

Vitiligo causes loss of skin color in patches when the cells that produce melanin stop working or are destroyed. It can affect any part of the body, including hair and the inside of the mouth.

Important facts

• It is not contagious or life-threatening
• It can start at any age, often before age 30
• The course is unpredictable – patches may stay stable or expand
• People with vitiligo may have a higher likelihood of other autoimmune conditions

Management

Treatment aims to restore color or even out skin tone and may include topical medicines, light therapy, oral medicines, or surgical techniques in selected cases. Sun protection of depigmented areas is important because they burn easily. Camouflage makeup and psychological support can also be valuable.