Vitiligo: Causes, Symptoms and How to Deal with!

• Written by Ritika Malik

  Reviewed by Sejal Singhania

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Noticing white patches on your skin can be confusing and even frightening. It often begins with a small pale patch on your hand or face, and suddenly you worry — Will it spread? What will people think? In a world obsessed with perfect selfies and flawless skin, developing vitiligo can make anyone feel anxious or self-conscious. Many feel judged or misunderstood, or end up covering their scars with clothing or makeup. Sometimes, the emotional burden feels more overwhelming than the condition itself.

But things are changing. More influencers, celebrities, and dermatologists are openly discussing vitiligo, breaking myths and encouraging acceptance. Awareness is growing, treatments are improving, and people are learning to embrace their skin with confidence. If you or someone you love has noticed these patches, this blog will help you understand the vitiligo causes, how it occurs, and how to care for your skin with confidence and hope.

What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a long-lasting autoimmune skin condition in which the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its colour. This leads to white patches on the skin, known as depigmented spots, which can appear on:

• Face
• Hands & arms
• Feet
• Neck
• Lips
• Scalp (hair may turn white)

Vitiligo affects about 1% of people worldwide and can develop at any age. More than half of cases begin before age 20. Most individuals with vitiligo are otherwise healthy. However, it can lead to emotional distress due to its impact on skin appearance.

Note: Vitiligo is a non-communicable disease that cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

Different Types of Vitiligo That You Should Know!  

When you first notice white patches on your skin, you might wonder, “What type of vitiligo do I have?” Knowing the type can really help ease your worries and guide you in making the right treatment choices. Let’s take a look at the main types of vitiligo: 

Nonsegmental Vitiligo

Nonsegmental vitiligo patches appear on both sides of the body, grow more slowly than localised patches, and are often symmetrical. They typically occur on sun-exposed areas, such as the hands, neck, and face. This is the most common type of vitiligo. It can be subdivided into various types. 

• Acrofacial vitiligo primarily affects the face, the genital regions, and the fingers and toes.
• Mucosal vitiligo primarily appears on the lips and mucous membranes.
• Generalised vitiligo can occur in various sizes and locations, resulting in irregular patches across the body.
• Universal vitiligo is characterised by widespread depigmentation of most of the body and is a relatively rare form of the disease.
• Indifferent vitiligo is also rare, but it can arise from both segmental and non-segmental vitiligo.

Segmental Vitiligo 

Segmental vitiligo causes quick pigment loss on one side of the body and is more predictable than nonsegmental vitiligo. It may persist for 6 to 12 months, but many patients do not see new patches develop afterwards. It accounts for about 3% of vitiligo cases, making it relatively rare. It typically appears at an earlier age, affects a single body area, and usually responds well to treatment.

Localised Vitiligo

If a small area of the body has just a few patches, a doctor might diagnose it as localised vitiligo. These patches can appear in different areas of the body, but the affected area remains relatively small.

Vitiligo Symptoms: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore!

Noticing changes in your skin can be worrying, particularly when pale or white patches suddenly appear. Vitiligo typically develops slowly and quietly, making early detection necessary for timely treatment. The following are key signs that may indicate the beginning of vitiligo: 

• Patchy skin colour loss, usually starting on the hands, face, around body openings, and genitals.
• Premature whitening or greying of hair on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard.
• Loss of colour in the tissues lining the inside of the mouth and nose (mucous membranes).
• Patches can stay stable for years or slowly spread.

Vitiligo Causes: Common Triggers Behind White Patches 

Vitiligo happens when melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment, die or stop making melanin, the substance responsible for the colour of your skin, hair, and eyes. As a result, affected skin patches turn lighter or white. The exact reason these pigment cells fail or die remains unclear. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, doctors think multiple factors may trigger the condition, which include: 

• A disorder of the immune system (autoimmune condition)
• Family history (heredity)
• People with multiple diseases are at higher risk of developing vitiligo. Some examples include Type 1 Diabetes, thyroid disorders, psoriasis, alopecia areata, lupus, Addison’s disease, and others. 
• Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as stress, skin injuries, sunburn, chemical exposure, hormonal changes, and others, can all play a role. 

How Is Vitiligo Diagnosed?

Diagnosing vitiligo is usually painless and precise. A dermatologist will review your medical history, examine your skin, and perform a few tests to confirm the diagnosis. The process typically includes the following steps:

Physical Examination

The doctor carefully examines the affected skin to note the pattern, colour changes, and the rate of spread of the patches.

Wood’s Lamp Test

A specialised UV light is used in a dark room to make depigmented areas stand out more clearly, helping to distinguish vitiligo from other skin conditions.

Blood Tests

Vitiligo is sometimes connected to autoimmune conditions. Doctors might recommend blood tests to check for conditions such as thyroid problems, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and other related health issues.

Skin Biopsy (Rare)

A small skin sample is only taken if the diagnosis is uncertain, allowing us to exclude other pigment-related conditions. This test helps identify the correct issue and ensures the best possible care is provided.

Is Vitiligo Harmful? Complications That You Should Be Aware Of!

Vitiligo itself is harmless, but reduced melanin production can cause physical and emotional difficulties. Recognising these issues can help you handle the condition more effectively. Some of the problems may include: 

• Increased sun sensitivity: Without melanin, skin burns more easily. This increases the risk of sunburn, especially on exposed areas.
• Eye pigment changes: In some cases, vitiligo can affect the retina or iris, leading to subtle pigmentary changes. However, it occurs only in the rarest situations.
• Hearing changes: Melanocytes are also found in the inner ear. Although rare, their loss can occasionally cause minor hearing problems.
• Emotional & mental health impact: The emotional toll often surpasses physical effects, causing anxiety, low self-esteem, social withdrawal, or embarrassment. Support, awareness, and early counselling are crucial for coping with vitiligo.

How to Prevent Vitiligo from Spreading?

While vitiligo cannot be entirely prevented, adopting proper habits can help slow its progression and safeguard your skin. Here are some proven, dermatologist-endorsed tips:

• Use sunscreen (SPF 50+) daily.
• Protect skin from injury or friction.
• Manage thyroid or autoimmune issues.
• Reduce stress through meditation or yoga.
• Maintain a healthy diet by including antioxidant-rich foods and reducing processed items.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, such as strong cosmetics, bleaching agents, and other skin products.

Modern Vitiligo Treatments That Help Reclaim Skin Pigment!

Recent breakthroughs have advanced the treatment of white spots in patients with vitiligo. However, vitiligo presents no health risks, so treatment is optional. If preferred, your healthcare provider can assist in finding a cure for widespread vitiligo to achieve a consistent skin tone. Some of the vitiligo treatment methods are: 

Medications

Some of the medications for Vitiligo treatment may include:

• Corticosteroids: Steroid creams or ointments can help reduce inflammation and restore pigment, particularly in the initial stages. 
• Calcineurin inhibitors: Medications such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus can also help decrease inflammation and are frequently applied to sensitive areas like the face. 
• JAK inhibitors: Ruxolitinib is an FDA-approved topical medication suitable for use on the face and other areas in patients aged 12 and above. 

Light and Laser Therapy

Light and laser therapy use controlled UV light to promote repigmentation in vitiligo patches. Included treatments are: 

• NB-UVB phototherapy: This treatment involves gently exposing the skin to controlled doses of ultraviolet (UV) light, often using a lightbox. It's considered the most common and effective method for managing widespread vitiligo, offering hope and relief to many affected individuals. 
• Excimer laser: A targeted laser gently directs a focused beam of UVB light to specific areas, making it especially effective for treating localised vitiligo. 
• PUVA therapy: This treatment uses a natural, plant-derived compound called psoralen with ultraviolet A (UVA) light. 

Surgical Treatments

Surgical treatment for vitiligo restores skin colour by transplanting healthy pigment cells to affected areas. Some treatments include:

• Skin grafting: Small patches of healthy skin are carefully transplanted to areas that have lost their pigment.
• Depigmentation: If vitiligo covers a large area and other treatments have failed, depigmenting agents can be used on unaffected skin to match the discoloured patches. This is a permanent and irreversible procedure. 
• Melanocyte transplantation: Transfers pigment-producing cells to help maintain stable vitiligo, offering new hope for those seeking effective treatment.

Diet and Nutrition Foods for Better Skin Health in Vitiligo

Although no diet can cure vitiligo, consuming the right foods can support your immune system, enhance skin health, and help your body control inflammation. Dermatologists agree that a balanced, nutrient-dense diet can effectively support ongoing vitiligo treatments.

Healthy Foods for Managing Vitiligo

These foods are not a treatment, but they may help reduce oxidative stress and promote melanin production. Some of them are:

• Fruits rich in antioxidants (papaya, berries, pomegranate)
• Green leafy vegetables
• Whole grains
• Nuts & seeds
• Turmeric (anti-inflammatory)

Foods to Avoid During Vitiligo

These are not medically confirmed triggers, but many patients report that their patches tend to worsen when they frequently consume these. You can avoid these foods if you have Vitiligo: 

• Excessive junk food
• Stress-inducing caffeine
• Alcohol (in some cases)

Is Vitiligo Covered Under Health Insurance?

Vitiligo is often seen as a cosmetic issue, which means many health insurance plans might not cover treatments aimed solely at improving appearance. However, there are still options for coverage when it comes to specific medical needs, such as:

• Diagnostic tests (such as thyroid or autoimmune screening).
• Treatment of associated autoimmune conditions.
• Counselling or therapy services for emotional health.
• Management of complications such as severe sunburn or infections. 

Coverage varies by insurer and policy type. For accurate information, always check your policy documents or contact Care Health Insurance for personalised advice.

In Closure

Vitiligo is more than just a skin condition. It is a journey that demands compassion, understanding, and support. Still, changes in skin colour can sometimes make people feel uneasy or less confident, which is entirely understandable. While there's no cure for vitiligo yet, treatments can help manage the condition and even restore some pigmentation to the skin. 

If you or a loved one is dealing with vitiligo, I encourage you to contact a qualified dermatologist at the best hospital. They can guide you toward the best options tailored specifically to your needs, helping you feel more comfortable and confident in your skin. 

Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.