The vitiligo information advice that you find here is written for the benefit of non-medical laypersons by a vitiligo specialist who is part of a team of 100 practising UK consultants and GPs. The content is in keeping with UK guidelines and based on current best practice for the management and treatment of vitiligo.

Vitiligo: Definition

Vitiligo is one of the most common skin diseases affecting all races. In this condition there is loss and destruction of pigment cells within the skin resulting in white patches which will never tan.

Vitiligo: Incidence/Age/Sex

At least 1% of the population is affected with vitiligo. It affects all races. This therefore means that over ½ million people in the U.K. alone have vitiligo. It can affect any one of any age and either sex.

Vitiligo: Causes and Preventions

In spite of extensive research the causes are not yet properly understood, but there is growing evidence that the disease is genetic in origin. In the affected area of the skin, the pigment cells (melanocytes) in the surface layer of the skin are destroyed by the body’s own immune system. These pigment cells are responsible for the ability of skin to tan and are responsible for skin colouring. Therefore when these cells are destroyed the skin has no potential for tanning and a visible white area will become apparent.

Vitiligo: Signs and Symptoms

Vitiligo in Caucasians commonly presents following sun exposure. The reason for this is that the affected areas have no ability to tan and burn easily and therefore burning of the skin in the affected area may be the first symptom noticed by an individual. White patches affecting the skin appear commonly on the backs of hands and tops of feet. The white patches tend to be symmetrical.

Although there is no affect on general physical health, the white patches may spread over a period of time and can potentially affect any area of the skin. Involvement of the genital skin occurs frequently. As the skin has no protection from sun light, sunburning may be the first symptom that individuals are aware of in the affected area. The condition generally is non-itchy.

  
Vitiligo: Complications of Disorder

The main problem with vitiligo apart from the potential for sunburn to occur is its cosmetic disability. If vitiligo occurs on the face and hands it can be cosmetically disfiguring, particularly on dark or tanned skin. Many people who have vitiligo therefore find the condition to be socially and psychologically devastating, and can lose their self-esteem and self-confidence. There is no increased risk of skin cancer with this condition. In children vitiligo can result in bullying and teasing at school which can usually be overcome by explaining vitiligo to teachers and enlisting their help.

Vitiligo: Tests

There are no specific tests for vitiligo. Other glandular problems known as autoimmune diseases may occur slightly more frequently in relatives of people with vitiligo. This includes conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes and pernicious anaemia. If there are any symptoms suggestive of these disorders in an individual appropriate tests may have to be performed but for the majority of individuals these tests are not required.

Vitiligo: Treatment

No cure has been found for vitiligo. In practice once the patches appear they never spontaneously resolve. The application of a strong (potent) steroid cream may help to temporarily bring back some pigment in an affected area but discontinuation of this steroid cream will normally result in a disappearance of the pigment cells again. 
 

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