Vitiligo – Symptoms and Causes
What Is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of skin to lose color. These patches often grow larger over time.
The condition can appear anywhere on the body, including the skin, hair, and inside the mouth.
This condition happens when the cells that make melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) die or stop working properly. Vitiligo affects people with all skin tones, though it may be more visible on darker skin.
While not dangerous or contagious, vitiligo can affect a person’s self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Several treatment options exist that may help restore color to affected skin areas. However, treatments don’t stop new patches from forming or guarantee permanent results.
Symptoms
Vitiligo causes patches of skin to lose their color. This condition typically begins before age 30, though it can start at any age.
The first signs often appear in certain areas:
- Hands and face
- Areas around body openings
- Genital region
People with vitiligo may also experience:
- Early whitening or graying of hair (scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard)
- Color loss in the tissues lining the mouth and nose
Vitiligo manifests in several patterns:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Universal | Affects almost all skin surfaces |
| Generalized | Most common type; patches often develop symmetrically on matching body parts |
| Segmental | Appears on only one side or part of the body; usually progresses for 1-2 years then stops |
| Localized (focal) | Limited to one or a few areas |
| Acrofacial | Affects the face, hands, and areas around body openings like eyes, nose, and ears |
The progression of vitiligo is unpredictable. In some cases, patches stop appearing without any treatment.
More commonly, the loss of pigment spreads and eventually involves most of the skin. In rare instances, the skin regains its natural color.
Doctors cannot predict how quickly or extensively the condition will develop in each person. The pattern and rate of color loss varies greatly from one individual to another.
When to See a Doctor
Visit your healthcare provider if you notice color loss in your skin, hair, or mucous membranes.
There’s no cure for vitiligo, but treatments can potentially:
- Slow down the discoloration process
- Help restore some color to affected areas
- Manage symptoms
Early diagnosis is important for better treatment outcomes.
What Causes This Condition
Your skin gets its color from a natural substance called melanin. These special cells, called melanocytes, create this pigment.
When these cells die or stop working properly, patches of skin lose their color and become lighter or completely white.
Scientists don’t know exactly why these pigment cells fail. Several factors might contribute to this problem:
- Immune System Problems: Your body might mistakenly attack its own melanocytes.
- Genetics: Certain genetic traits may make some people more susceptible to vitiligo.
-
Environmental Triggers such as:
- Severe stress
- Bad sunburns
- Skin injuries
- Contact with certain chemicals
When melanocytes stop functioning, the affected skin areas lose their natural color and appear much lighter than surrounding skin.
Risk Factors
Vitiligo can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase your chance of developing this condition:
- Family history of vitiligo makes you more likely to develop it.
- Chemical exposure, particularly to phenols found in some cleaning products, may raise your risk when there is regular direct contact.
Possible Health Issues
People with vitiligo might face several health challenges beyond skin color changes.
Mental health problems can occur due to appearance changes.
Many experience stress or feel self-conscious in social situations.
Other potential problems include:
- Increased sunburn risk on affected skin patches
- Vision problems affecting the eyes
- Hearing difficulties that may develop over time
The white patches lack natural sun protection, making proper sun safety essential for those with vitiligo.
