Vitiligo

Vitiligo skin condition consultation and treatment at Lifero Skin and Hair Clinic

Complete Guide to Vitiligo

If you have been diagnosed with vitiligo, you may have questions about the condition, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and available treatment options. This guide provides an overview of vitiligo and ways to manage the condition with appropriate dermatological care.

Illustration related to vitiligo and loss of skin pigmentation

What Is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes areas of the skin to lose pigmentation. It occurs when pigment-producing cells called melanocytes are destroyed or stop functioning. Depigmented patches can appear on different areas of the body and may also affect the hair, mouth or eyes.

What Causes Vitiligo?

The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood. Research indicates that autoimmune, genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its development.

What Are the Symptoms of Vitiligo?

The most common symptom is the appearance of patches of skin that have lost their pigment. These patches may be small or large and can occur on different parts of the body.

Common symptoms and skin pigmentation changes associated with vitiligo
  • Spots and patches of lighter skin.
  • Patches that may become white.
  • Lighter patches inside the mouth or nose.
  • Depigmented areas that may be more sensitive to sun exposure.
  • Itching in some affected areas.
  • Hair becoming white or gray in affected areas.
  • White eyelashes, eyebrows or sections of scalp hair.
  • Hearing changes may occur in some people.
Dermatologist assessment and diagnosis of vitiligo

How Is Vitiligo Diagnosed?

A dermatologist can usually identify vitiligo by examining the skin and reviewing the patient's medical history. Depending on the presentation, additional tests may be recommended to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

What Are the Types of Vitiligo?

Vitiligo can be classified according to the distribution and pattern of depigmented areas. Different patterns may affect different parts of the body.

Different patterns and types of vitiligo

Main Types of Vitiligo

  • Generalized vitiligo
  • Segmental vitiligo
  • Focal vitiligo
  • Mucosal vitiligo
  • Universal vitiligo

Other classifications may describe specific patterns, including acrofacial involvement, extensive depigmentation and combinations of different patterns.

At Lifero Skin and Hair Clinic, our dermatology team focuses on appropriate assessment, diagnosis and individualized management of vitiligo.

If you are concerned about changes in skin pigmentation, schedule a consultation with a dermatologist to discuss your symptoms and suitable treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin condition in which patches of skin lose pigment or color because pigment-producing cells called melanocytes are destroyed or stop functioning.

The exact cause is not fully understood. Autoimmune factors, genetics and environmental factors may contribute to vitiligo.

No. Vitiligo is not contagious or infectious and cannot spread from person to person through contact.

Vitiligo can be managed with dermatologist- recommended treatments. Depending on the individual case, treatment may include topical medicines, phototherapy and other approaches.

Vitiligo primarily affects skin pigmentation. It may also have an emotional or psychological impact, so appropriate dermatological support can be helpful.