Vitiligo: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Vitiligo is a skin disorder that causes loss of pigmentation, leading to white patches on the skin. It occurs when melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) stop functioning or are destroyed. This condition is not contagious or life-threatening but can affect a person’s self-esteem.

Causes of Vitiligo

🔹 Autoimmune response – The immune system mistakenly attacks melanocytes.

🔹 Genetic factors – Family history increases the risk.

🔹 Environmental triggers – Sunburn, stress, or chemical exposure may contribute.

🔹 Hormonal changes – Some cases develop after pregnancy or puberty.

🔹 Associated diseases – Linked to thyroid disorders, diabetes, and pernicious anemia.

Symptoms of Vitiligo

White patches on the skin – Commonly on the face, hands, feet, arms, and around body openings.

Loss of pigmentation in hair – Premature graying of scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard.

Change in eye color – The retina or inner eye may lose pigment.

Loss of skin color inside the mouth (mucous membranes).

Types of Vitiligo

Generalized Vitiligo – Most common; white patches appear all over the body.

Segmental Vitiligo – Affects only one side or part of the body, often in younger people.

Focal Vitiligo – Few scattered patches in a small area.

Universal Vitiligo – Rare; nearly complete loss of skin pigment.

Diagnosis of Vitiligo

Physical exam – Checking white patches on the skin.

Wood’s lamp test – Uses UV light to highlight depigmented areas.

Blood tests – To check for autoimmune diseases (thyroid, diabetes).

Skin biopsy (rare cases) – Examines the absence of melanocytes.

Treatment for Vitiligo

1. Medications & Topical Treatments

Corticosteroid creams – Helps restore pigmentation in early stages.

Calcineurin inhibitors (Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus) – Reduces immune attack on melanocytes.

Phototherapy (UVB Light Therapy) – Stimulates pigment production.

Melanocyte-stimulating injections – In severe cases.

2. Surgical Options

Skin grafting – Transplanting healthy pigmented skin to affected areas.

Melanocyte transplantation – Culturing and implanting melanocytes in depigmented areas.

3. Lifestyle & Home Remedies

Use sunscreen – Protects skin from sunburn & prevents worsening of patches.

Eat a healthy diet – Antioxidants, vitamins (B12, C, D), and minerals help.

Manage stress – Yoga & meditation can reduce flare-ups.

Cosmetic camouflage – Makeup, self-tanners, or skin dyes can cover white patches.