Vitiligo

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Summary

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder characterised by white patches on your skin.
It affects 0.5%-2% of the population, and affects all ages, genders, and ethnicities.
Treatment involves repigmenting or depigmenting to even out skin tone.

Vitiligo: essential info
Causes and symptoms
What are my options?
FAQ

Reviewed on July 31, 2023. by

Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer

Next review due on September 01, 2026

Last updated on July 30, 2023

Find the vitiligo treatment that’s best for you.

We’ve got a range of options, and our clinicians can help you find the one that’s best for your body and your budget.

Betnovate

Betamethasone valerate

In stock

Helps slow the progression of vitiligo and can help repigment the skin.

Starting from £39.95

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Diprosone

Betamethasone dipropionate

In stock

Helps manage and treat vitiligo symptoms. May help repigment skin.

Starting from £39.95

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Sunsense

Bemotrizinol + oxybenzone

In stock

Sunscreen that moisturises while protecting your skin.

Starting from £64.95

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Dermovate

Clobetasol propionate

Out of stock

Corticosteroid treatment. Cream or ointment can be applied directly to vitiliginous skin.

Starting from £35.95

Out of stock

Elidel

Pimecrolimus

Out of stock

Topical steroid-free calcineurin inhibitor. To be applied directly to skin that needs pigmentation.

Starting from £57.95

Out of stock

Protopic

Tacrolimus monohydrate

Out of stock

Topical calcineurin inhibitor. Can be applied directly to light areas of skin.

Starting from £62.95

Out of stock

What is vitiligo?

Vitiligo (pronounced vi·tuh·lie·go) is a skin condition characterised by white patches on your skin. It’s classified as an autoimmune disorder, but genetic and environmental factors can contribute to its development. Around 0.5-2% of the world population are thought to have vitiligo, and it can affect all ages, genders and ethnicities.^[1] (Although it will be more apparent in those with a darker complexion.)

Vitiligo isn’t contagious, and doesn’t usually cause any health problems.

It also isn’t painful, but it can have emotional or psychological effects. This is when getting treatment can be beneficial. Currently, there is no actual cure for vitiligo, so treatments often include restoring lost skin colour or stopping it from spreading to unaffected areas of your body.^[2]

There are other conditions that can have the same visual characteristics as vitiligo. Pityriasis alba is another depigmenting skin condition, but its cause is different.^[3] It’s important to differentiate between vitiligo and other skin conditions because they need to be treated differently.

Who gets vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a condition with no one cause, which can happen to anyone at any time. It can affect people of all ages, but it’s more common to develop patches before the age of 20.

Here are some factors that can play a role in its onset:

Genetic Mutations. Since vitiligo is an autoimmune condition (when your immune system attacks your cells), mutations in genes that produce the immune response can have an effect.^[4]
Heritage. One fifth of people diagnosed with vitiligo also have a family member diagnosed with the condition. The risk also increases if you have a family history of autoimmune conditions.^[4] However, this doesn’t mean that if your parents have it, you will too. Inheritance is more complicated than that.
Environmental factors such as stress or exposure to certain chemicals can be triggers for vitiligo. Other triggers can include hormonal changes and childbirth. For a lot of people, these triggers are unknown.^[5]

What are the types of vitiligo?

There are two main types of vitiligo: segmental (SV) and non-segmental (NSV).

Segmental vitiligo only affects one area on one side of the body and is less common than other types. The most common SV is uni-segmental, which is characterised by colour loss on one area of the body that spreads very quickly, but only for 6-12 months before stopping.^[6]

Non-segmental vitiligo is the more common type of vitiligo. It can occur on the face, neck, arms and scalp and can be symmetrical on both sides of the body.^[4]NSV is commonly caused by autoimmune loss of melanocytes. Results of one study show, approximately 83% of patients who had NSV had an autoimmune condition.^[7]

Treated trusted sources:

Christina Bergqvist, Khaled Ezzedine. (2020). Vitiligo: A Review. Dermatology 13 November 2020; 236 (6): 571–592.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2023). Vitiligo.
Givler DN, Basit H, Givler A. [Updated 2023 Feb 19]. Pityriasis Alba. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Vitiligo.
Boissy, R. E., & Manga, P. (2004). On the Etiology of Contact/Occupational Vitiligo. Pigment Cell Research, 17(3), 208-214.
Faria, A. R., Tarlé, R. G., Dellatorre, G., & Mira, M. T. (2014). Vitiligo – Part 2 – classification, histopathology and treatment. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 89(5), 784-790.
Oiso, N., Suzuki, T., Fukai, K., Katayama, I., & Kawada, A. (2011). Nonsegmental Vitiligo and Autoimmune Mechanism. Dermatology Research and Practice, 2011.

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on July 31, 2023. Next review due on September 01, 2026.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

What causes vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a multifactorial disease, this means many things can result in the development of it. Genetics, environmental factors and autoimmune disorders all contribute to the loss of functional melanocytes.^[1] Melanocytes are cells that contain a pigment called melanin. When melanin is packed into melanosomes, it’s transferred to keratinocytes (cells in the outer layer of your skin). Keratinocytes then deposit melanin into your skin layers, resulting in skin colour.^[2] If you have vitiligo, the melanocytes are attacked by an autoimmune reaction. This results in the loss of melanin and the appearance of white patches.

What are the symptoms of vitiligo?

Symptoms of vitiligo include patches of lighter skin that eventually turn white. The lighter patches can be present inside the mouth and nose, too. Some people may also develop whiter or lighter-coloured hair on their scalp, body and eyelashes. When vitiligo spreads, the affected areas may feel itchy. In some cases, the loss of colour may also affect your vision and eye colour as well as cause hearing loss.^[3] The lighter areas of skin may also increase sensitivity to the sun, so it’s good to wear sunscreen to avoid sunburns.

Vitiligo doesn’t have early symptoms except for the development of lighter-coloured patches on the skin. These patches can spread or remain localised. Even though vitiligo isn’t physically painful, it’s best to visit a doctor to check for other conditions.

What does Vitiligo look like?

Vitiligo looks different for everyone but on all skin tones it will be characterised by whiter or lighter patches on any area of the body. It can also appear differently depending on the subtype you have.

Can vitiligo lead to other problems?

Since vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder, it can lead to other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disorders, Addison’s disease or type 1 diabetes. If you have vitiligo it’s good to get a blood test to check for these conditions.

Treated trusted sources:

Christina Bergqvist, Khaled Ezzedine. (2020). Vitiligo: A Review. Dermatology 13 November 2020; 236 (6): 571–592.
Joge, R. R., Kathane, P. U., & Joshi, S. H. (2022). Vitiligo: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 14(9).
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2023). Vitiligo.

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on July 31, 2023. Next review due on September 01, 2026.

How we source info.

How is vitiligo treated?

There’s no cure for vitiligo. Instead, treatment for vitiligo tends to be either repigmentation, which means restoring the loss of colour, or depigmentation, which is removing the remaining colour to create an even skin tone. Treatment for vitiligo is long-term and personalised. It can include phototherapy, topical and oral medications.

Your treatment options will also differ based on your subtype. In the early stages of SV, topical treatments and phototherapy are used. But in the stable stages surgical treatment is the only option. In the stable stages of NSV, topical treatments and phototherapy are often recommended, but surgery may be recommended if these don’t work.^[1] Lastly, if your vitiligo is spreading quickly then oral steroids can be taken.

Topical treatments can be categorised into steroids and calcineurin inhibitors. Clobetasol propionate (Dermovate) is a corticosteroid that “re-pigments” skin. It works by suppressing the immune system so it cannot destroy melanocytes.^[2] Elidel and Protopic are topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI). TCI also prevents the immune system from overreacting so it doesn’t destroy the melanocytes.^[2] Monobenzone is another topical drug that can be taken to depigment skin. It works by removing the remaining melanin from the skin.^[3] However, as with all drugs, they do have side effects and most cannot be used long-term.

Phototherapy is another option to repigment the skin.^[4] While phototherapy is a popular option, it can be expensive and time-consuming due to the need for regular visits to the clinic over an extended period to see significant results.^[5] It’s also not safe for children or pregnant women, and the treatment may not always produce the desired outcome.

Surgery is an option for SV or localised vitiligo. Two of the most common options include tissue grafting and cellular grafting. With tissue grafting, a small piece of skin is taken from an area of the body that has pigmentation and then transferred to the affected site.^[6] Cellular grafting involves the transfer of cells, like melanocytes, to the affected area. But surgery can cause some side effects, such as the Koebner phenomenon. This is when previously healthy skin experiences physical changes as a result of the surgery.^[6]

What medications are there for vitiligo?

At Treated, we offer a range of treatments for vitiligo. Dermovate is a steroid that “repigments” skin by suppressing the immune system. Elidel and Protopic are both TIC but contain different active ingredients. When applied, they suppress the immune system. All of these treatments repigment skin. So if one doesn’t work, you can always try another.

Monobenzone (hydroquinone), on the other hand, has the opposite impact. It causes skin depigmentation by removing all remaining melanin in the body. Instead of restoring your skin colour, you’ll have a lighter complexion by the end of it. This is better for those who have widespread vitiligo.

Opzelura is a recent popular vitiligo treatment that can restore colour in patients with NSV.^[7] It suppresses the immune system whilst also repigmenting skin on all body parts. However, it can cause serious side effects for some people.

Is there a ‘best’ treatment for vitiligo?

Because each person will have a personalised treatment plan depending on their condition, so there is no ‘best’ treatment. Some treatments will work better for one person and not work for another. The main deciding factor for the treatments is the type of vitiligo you have. After that, there are many options you can choose from.

Does vitiligo always need treatment?

No, treatment is optional in the majority of the cases. Vitiligo doesn’t usually cause any physical discomfort or pain, but it can affect people’s self-esteem and confidence. Having an uneven skin tone or being in skin that doesn’t feel like your own can be difficult, so it’s okay to get some type of treatment. However, if you’re comfortable with yourself, then no, you don’t need treatment.

Treated trusted sources:

Christina Bergqvist, Khaled Ezzedine. (2020). Vitiligo: A Review. Dermatology 13 November 2020; 236 (6): 571–592.
Mumtaz, H., Anis, S., Akhtar, A., Rubab, M., Zafar, A., Niazi, N., Bahadur, H., Talpur, A. S., Shafiq, M. A., & Fatima, T. (2020). Efficacy of Tacrolimus Versus Clobetasol in the Treatment of Vitiligo. Cureus, 12(12).
Go.drugbank. (2023). Monobenzone. (Accessed: 06 June 2023)
Kandaswamy, S., Akhtar, N., Ravindran, S., Prabhu, S., & Shenoi, S. D. (2013). Phototherapy in Vitiligo: Assessing the Compliance, Response and Patient’s Perception about Disease and Treatment. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 58(4), 325.
Joge, R. R., Kathane, P. U., & Joshi, S. H. (2022). Vitiligo: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 14(9).
Frączek, A., & Placek, W. (2022). Surgical Treatment of Vitiligo. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(8), 4812.
Sheikh, A., Rafique, W., Owais, R., Malik, F., & Ali, E. (2022).FDA approves Ruxolitinib (Opzelura) for Vitiligo Therapy: A breakthrough in the field of dermatology. Annals of Medicine and Surgery, 81.

How we source info.

FAQ: Vitiligo

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How is vitiligo diagnosed?

Answer:

Vitiligo is diagnosed using a Woods lamp. It’s a UV light that can differentiate between pigmented skin and non-pigmented skin. Under the light, vitiligo glows brightly in a blue/white colour. ^[1] This makes it distinct from pigmented areas of the skin and can highlight spots that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Is Vitiligo hereditary?

Answer:

While having a family history of vitiligo can increase the likelihood of developing it, there is no certainty that it will occur. This is because several other factors, such as genetics, environmental factors, and stress, can all play a role in its development.

Can you prevent Vitiligo?

Answer:

There’s currently no cure or way to prevent vitiligo from spreading. Depending on the type of vitiligo you have, it may not spread. The spreading of vitiligo is caused by the death of melanocytes, so by using specific treatments it can be possible to stop it from spreading.

Can vitiligo be cured completely?

Answer:

No, vitiligo cannot be cured completely (as there is no cure). However, treatments such as steroids can help restore lost skin colour. There are other treatments available for vitiligo, such as monobenzone, which removes the remaining colour from the skin, or camouflage creams that work like cosmetic products to conceal or hide the affected areas.

How can I cover my vitiligo?

Answer:

Vitiligo can be covered using cosmetic products. There are certain brands that are specially made for people with vitiligo, but a full-coverage foundation can also work. At Treated, we have skin camouflage creams which can blend the white patches to match your skin. They last for several hours (sometimes days) and are often waterproof.

Why should I buy vitiligo treatment with Treated?

Answer:

We create a safe and comfortable environment for you to talk about your health. Our services are transparent, allowing you to choose the treatment you want while helping you make informed decisions.

Throughout your treatment we’ll regularly check in with you to see how you’re doing and make sure everything’s working as you’d hoped. And if you have any questions, we’re always there to answer.

Treated trusted sources:

Joge, R. R., Kathane, P. U., & Joshi, S. H. (2022). Vitiligo: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 14(9).

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