Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes white patches to appear on your skin. These patches happen because your skin can't make enough of something called melanin - this is what gives your skin its colour.

What does vitiligo look like?

The white patches can appear anywhere on your body, but they're most common on your:

• Face and around your mouth and eyes
• Hands, fingers and wrists
• Neck
• Areas where skin folds, like your armpits and groin

The patches usually start as pale areas that slowly become completely white. Sometimes the edges might look red or slightly inflamed. If you have vitiligo on areas with hair, like your scalp, the hair in those patches might also turn white or grey.

The patches don't usually hurt or feel itchy, though they might occasionally feel slightly itchy.

Types of vitiligo

There are two main types:

Non-segmental vitiligo - This is the most common type (9 out of 10 people with vitiligo have this). The white patches appear on both sides of your body in similar places, like both hands or both knees.

Segmental vitiligo - This only affects one area of your body. It's less common but happens more often in children.

What causes vitiligo?

Vitiligo happens when your body doesn't have enough working cells to make melanin (skin pigment).

The most common type is thought to be an autoimmune condition. This means your immune system, which normally fights infections, accidentally attacks the healthy cells that make your skin colour.

You can't catch vitiligo from someone else - it's not an infection.

Who gets vitiligo?

You might be more likely to get vitiligo if:

• Other family members have it
• You or your family have other autoimmune conditions
• You have certain gene changes

Sometimes vitiligo might start after stressful events, skin damage like severe sunburn, or hormonal changes during puberty.

When to speak to your GP

Speak to your GP if you notice white patches appearing on your skin. They can examine you and work out if it's vitiligo or another skin condition.

Your GP might ask about:

• Your family history
• Whether you've had any skin injuries in those areas
• How the patches are affecting you

They might use a special UV light to look at your skin more closely.

Important safety information

Sun protection is crucial - because the white patches have no melanin, they burn very easily in the sun. Always use a high SPF sunscreen on these areas.

Your GP might also check for other autoimmune conditions, as these can sometimes happen together with vitiligo.

Getting help

If vitiligo is affecting your confidence or mental health, speak to your GP. There are treatments available that might help, and they can also put you in touch with support groups.

The Vitiligo Society charity offers advice and support for people with this condition.

Remember, vitiligo is a common condition that affects people of all ages and skin colours. While the patches are usually permanent, many people live full, healthy lives with vitiligo.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.