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Vitiligo

Published on December 2, 2025 at 3:00 / Updated on December 16, 2025 at 8:01

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes white patches to appear on the skin. This means that the body attacks itself by destroying cells giving color to the skin and hairs, called melanocytes.

Discolored areas from different forms and sizes can appear on any part of the body. Body hair, including eyelashes, eyebrows, and scalp hair, may also lose their color. Some body areas are more commonly affected by the disease. Here are a few examples:

  • Face
  • Hands
  • Feet
  • Knees
  • Elbows
  • Genitals

Causes and triggers

The exact cause of vitiligo is still not fully understood. Autoimmune, genetic and environmental factors appear to be associated with it. The disease can occur at any age, but usually develops before the age of 40.

Vitiligo is often observed in individuals with other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disorders, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis and lupus. Many people with vitiligo also have a family member with the disease.

Certain factors may trigger the disease. Here are a few examples

  • Chemical burn
  • Bad sunburns
  • Emotional stress

Treatment

Various treatment options are available based on the desired result, but there is no cure to the disease. Some non-medical measures involve covering patches with makeup or self-tanning products.

Treatments to help restore skin pigmentation are available, such as topical treatment (creams), oral medication or phototherapy (light therapy). Otherwise, when affected areas cover a large part of the body surface, depigmentation of the remaining skin can be done using a special cream to even out skin tone.

As a last resort, surgical treatments such as skin grafting or tattooing. These interventions are used in particular cases.

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent vitiligo. It is possible, however, to prevent certain complications associated with it. Since depigmented skin is more at risk of sunburn, it is important to protect it with effective sun protection.

Friction may also contribute to the appearance of new spots. It is therefore recommended to reduce it by using slow and gentle movements (e.g., when removing makeup, drying the skin, or shaving), and by wearing loose-fitting clothing.

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