What is vitiligo

A friend of mine has white patches on his skin. It was diagnosed as vitiligo. Kindly explain what this is all about.

Perfect (by SMS)

Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition in which patches of skin lose their pigment, resulting in lighter or white areas. Vitiligo is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that causes the skin to lose its natural colour due to the destruction or malfunction of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their colour. The affected areas may appear as small spots (macules) or larger patches, and hair in these areas can also turn white or silver.

The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it is considered an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy melanocytes. Genetic factors may also play a role, as about 30% of people with vitiligo have a family history of the condition.

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Certain triggers, such as sunburn, emotional stress, or chemical exposure, may worsen or initiate the condition. Loss of skin colour in patches, which may appear anywhere on the body, including hands, feet, face, genitals, and mucous membranes. Hair colour changes in affected areas, turning gray or white.

Itching may occur before depigmentation starts in some cases.

The condition can be localised (focal), segmental (one side of the body), or generalised (symmetrical patches across the body), with universal vitiligo affecting most of the skin.

Vitiligo affects people of all ages, races, and sexes, though it is often more noticeable in individuals with darker skin. Most cases appear before age 30, and people with other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, or lupus, may have a higher risk.

While vitiligo is not life-threatening or contagious, it can affect self-esteem and quality of life. Treatments aim to restore skin colour or slow progression, including topical medications, light therapy, and, in some cases, surgical options. However, treatment does not guarantee permanent results, and new patches may still develop. Some people choose not to treat vitiligo and manage it with cosmetic approaches like makeup or skin camouflage.

Vitiligo is a manageable condition, and support from dermatologists and patient communities can help individuals cope with its physical and emotional effects.