Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder, similar to hypopigmentation. When the cells in the skin that produce pigment are unable to function properly, vitiligo may occur. Vitiligo may appear as lesions of the skin that have less pigment, oftentimes appearing white. There are multiple patterns in which vitiligo may occur, including generalized, segmental, and focal. Limiting sun exposure and wearing sunscreen from both A and B spectrum of UV may help reduce the appearance of vitiligo.

Symptoms can include:

• Patchy loss of skin color
• Premature whitening or graying of the hair on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or beard
• Loss of color in the tissues inside of your mouth and nose
• Loss of or change in color of the retina

Vitiligo can start at any age but often starts appearing before the age of 20. The condition doesn’t appear to affect one part of the body more than others and can appear all over the body or only on specific parts of your body.

While there isn’t a total cure for vitiligo, laser treatment can reduce its appearance.