Vitiligo generally causes white patches on the skin. However, the extent and location of symptoms can vary by the type of vitiligo present.
Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes pale patches to appear on the skin. It can happen anywhere on the body, but it most commonly develops on the face, hands, and feet.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune problem. When someone has an autoimmune disease, their immune system mistakenly attacks their own cells and tissues.
In people with vitiligo, the immune system can attack melanocytes (the cells that make pigment in your skin). This causes the skin to lose its color and develop pale patches.
Different Types of Vitiligo1
There are three main types of vitiligo: localized, generalized, and universal. The difference between these types lies in the extent of the affected skin and whether or not it affects other parts of the body.
Localized vitiligo affects only one or a few areas of the body, whereas generalized vitiligo can affect different areas of the body. When most of the skin has been affected by pigment loss it is referred to as universal vitiligo.
Segmental vs. Non-segmental Vitiligo
Nonsegmental vitiligo is the most common form and generally affects both sides of the body. Patches tend to develop slowly with new patches appearing periodically throughout one’s life.
In contrast, segmental vitiligo only affects one side or part of the body, and loss of pigmentation is usually rapid. The loss of pigmentation typically stops after 6 to 12 months. This type is much less common than nonsegmental vitiligo.
While the most common sign of vitiligo is a patch of discolored skin, the patches vary in size.
Other symptoms of vitiligo include2:
Itching in and around the discolored areas
Premature whitening or graying of the hair in affected areas
Hearing loss
Eye color changes
Sensitivity to the sun
Vitiligo is a widespread skin disorder. It occurs when a loss of pigment results in pale patches of skin. People with this disorder can take comfort in knowing they are not alone. Various treatments are available to help make life with vitiligo easier.
Sources:
Vitiligo: Overview. American Academy of Dermatology. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/vitiligo-overview
Vitiligo: Signs and symptoms. American Academy of Dermatology. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/vitiligo-symptom
