What is vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a skin condition that results in the loss of color or pigmentation in patches of skin and sometimes hair. The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, but it is believed to be related to an autoimmune response, where the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. In this case, the affected cells are the ones responsible for skin pigmentation.

Vitiligo symptoms

The primary symptom of vitiligo is depigmentation of the skin, which can cause it to turn white or lose its color. The areas of skin affected by this condition depend on the type of vitiligo a person has.

There are several types of vitiligo, including the most common type, generalized vitiligo or vitiligo vulgaris, as well as acrofacial vitiligo and segmental vitiligo.

Generalized vitiligo typically affects both sides of the body symmetrically, including fingers, toes, ears, legs, and other body parts that are far from the center of the body. It can also affect the skin surrounding openings in the body, such as the mouth, eyes, and nose, as well as stretchy parts of skin, such as the skin covering the elbows, knees, or finger joints. Additionally, it can affect parts of skin that are injured or get rubbed a lot, such as the skin under shoulder straps, waistbands, and collar areas.

Acrofacial vitiligo, on the other hand, only affects fingers, toes, ears, or other body parts that are far from the center of the body, as well as the skin surrounding openings in the body such as the mouth, eyes, and nose.

Segmental vitiligo may only affect the left or the right side of the body in splotches.

Vitiligo treatment

There are several treatments available to help restore normal skin color. These include:

• Steroid medications – These medications are available in the form of ointments, creams, or gels. Examples include fluticasone (Cutivate) and mometasone (Elocon).

• Calcineurin inhibitors – These medications are available in the form of ointments or creams. Examples include pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic).

• Light therapy – During light therapy, your skin is exposed to a special type of light called “ultraviolet light” (also known as “UV” light). This therapy is usually administered in a doctor’s office. Depending on the type of light therapy you receive, you may need to take a medication capsule before the therapy.

Steps to take when you have vitiligo

To prevent the depigmented patches of skin from looking more different from your healthy skin, it’s important to avoid getting a sunburn or suntan. Here are some tips to protect yourself from the sun:

• Stay out of the sun during the middle of the day (from 10 AM to 4 PM), when the sun’s light is strongest.

• Stay under a sun umbrella, tree, or other shady spot.

• Wear sunscreen – Apply sunscreen to all parts of your body that are not covered by clothes. Then reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours, or after you sweat or swim. It’s important to choose a sunscreen that:

  • Has an SPF of 30 or greater – SPF is a number that tells you how well a sunscreen protects the skin from harmful kinds of UV light.

  • Protects against 2 types of UV light, called “UVA” and “UVB” – Sunscreens that offer both UVA and UVB protection are sometimes called “broad spectrum.”

  • Has not expired or is not more than 3 years old.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants.

• Do not use tanning beds.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your skin, you can use special cosmetic products to make the skin changes less noticeable. Some examples of these products are sold under the brand names Dermablend and Covermark. Other products may also be helpful.