Is vitiligo contagious?

No, vitiligo is not contagious and cannot be spread through touch or any form of contact. It is an autoimmune condition related to the immune system attacking melanocytes.

Can vitiligo be cured?

There is currently no cure for vitiligo, but treatments can help restore some color to affected areas or even out skin tone. New targeted therapies such as JAK inhibitors are showing promising results.

Does vitiligo affect health?

Vitiligo itself does not affect physical health, but the depigmented skin is more vulnerable to sunburn. People with vitiligo also have a higher risk of other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease.

DermatologicalICD-10: L80Affects approximately 0.5-2% of the global population

Vitiligo

Also known as: Leukoderma

Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition in which the cells that produce melanin (melanocytes) are destroyed, leading to irregular white patches on the skin. It can affect any area of the body and occurs in all skin types, though it is more noticeable in darker skin tones. While vitiligo is not medically dangerous, it can have significant psychological and emotional effects.

Symptoms

Patchy loss of skin color, typically on the face, hands, arms, and feet

Premature graying or whitening of hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard

Loss of color in the tissues inside the mouth and nose

Change in color of the retina

Patches that may spread or remain stable over time

Causes

Autoimmune destruction of melanocytes
Genetic predisposition with multiple genes involved
Possible environmental triggers such as sunburn or chemical exposure
Oxidative stress damaging melanocytes

Risk Factors

Family history of vitiligo or other autoimmune conditions
Personal history of autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease or alopecia areata
Onset typically before age 30

Diagnosis

Physical examination of skin under natural and Wood's lamp light
Skin biopsy to confirm absence of melanocytes
Blood tests to check for associated autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease
Eye examination to rule out uveitis

Treatment

Topical corticosteroids to help restore color in early patches
Topical calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus for facial vitiligo
Narrowband UVB phototherapy
Combination of psoralen and UVA therapy (PUVA)
Surgical options including skin grafting for stable vitiligo
Depigmentation therapy for extensive vitiligo covering more than 50% of the body

Prevention

No known prevention due to autoimmune and genetic basis
Sun protection to prevent sunburn on depigmented skin
Managing stress which may trigger or worsen the condition

When to See a Doctor

New white patches appearing on the skin
Existing patches that are spreading or increasing in size
Emotional distress related to skin appearance changes
For evaluation of associated autoimmune conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Hypothyroidism

Endocrine

Lupus

Autoimmune

Psoriasis

Dermatological

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