How to Identify and Treat Vitiligo

What is Vitiligo? Vitiligo is a condition where patches of unpigmented skin appear on parts of your body. It occurs because the cells that make up the color in your skin (melanocytes or pigment) break down. The cause of vitiligo isn’t fully known. Some experts say it could be an autoimmune disease, which is when your immune system mistakenly attacks a seemingly healthy part of your own body.

What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a condition where patches of unpigmented skin appear on parts of your body. It occurs because the cells that make up the color in your skin (melanocytes or pigment) break down.

The cause of vitiligo isn’t fully known. Some experts say it could be an autoimmune disease, which is when your immune system mistakenly attacks a seemingly healthy part of your own body. In this case, the immune system mistakenly attacks your melanocytes. It could be that vitiligo is hereditary, but no one knows for sure.

Regardless of race or gender, anyone can develop vitiligo. It’s a life-long condition but there are ways to minimize or balance out the appearance of the discoloration.

Seeing Vitiligo

Vitiligo appears as patches of unpigmented skin and can affect the skin on any part of your body.  These patches are more commonly found in the areas where your skin is exposed to the sun, but can appear on places like your hair or inside your mouth.

Wellness Tip

Mind your shadow – when your shadow is shorter than you are, that’s when the sun’s rays are especially damaging. Be sure to seek shade during peak sun times.

Localized vitiligo

Symptoms

Localized vitiligo affects specific areas, such as your hands, arms, face, feet, etc. Localized vitiligo can be segmental (located on one segment of the body) or non-segmental (located on various parts of your body). For example, it’s possible to have vitiligo on your hands and knees.

Treatment:

Treatment of vitiligo is intended to make the skin look "even." For localized vitiligo, you can use a product like Chromelin Complexion Blender, a skin dye designed to help match the patches of vitiligo with your natural skin tone.

Generalized vitiligo

Symptoms

Generalized vitiligo is the most common kind, appearing as scattered patches of pigment loss in the skin, on multiple parts of the body.

Treatment:

In addition to skin dyes, people affected with vitiligo should wear sunscreen. The sun’s harsh rays can speed up the progression of vitiligo.

Universal vitiligo

Symptoms

Universal vitiligo appears as pigment loss over the majority of your body.  It’s a more rare form of vitiligo, but can affect up to more than 80% of your skin.

Treatment:

In addition to using dyes and cover-ups, those affected with universal vitiligo should protect their skin to slow down the progression of the vitiligo. Coupled with sunscreen,  make sure that your clothing options protect your skin from the sun.

Symptoms of Vitiligo

The most common symptom of vitiligo is discoloration on the skin – appearing as light or white blotches on the surface.

Segmental Vitiligo

Segmental vitiligo refers to the condition affecting one segment or side of your body (e.g. hand, leg, face, etc.) and/or your hair. These symptoms tend to appear at an earlier age and only progress for a few years. Learn more.

Non-Segmental Vitiligo

Non-segmental vitiligo refers to the more common type of vitilgo that affects both sides of the body. It often starts in a short timeframe as discoloration in the hands, feet, or face. Throughout the person’s life, the affected areas may expand. Learn more.

How to Treat Vitiligo

According to the Mayo Clinic, no drug can stop the process of vitiligo, but some products, like Chromelin, can help improve your skin's appearance. Improving your skin's appearance as well as accepting it is how to treat vitiligo.

Chromelin Complexion BlenderProfessional strength dihydroxyacetone skin dye in a waterproof formulation that is used to darken light or unpigmented areas of skin affected by vitiligo, scars, or other causes. This formula is designed to stay pigmented for longer periods of time, and you can adjust the pigment needed for your condition.Product Details

Living with Vitiligo

Use sunscreen

Protect your skin from the sun. Use sunscreen every day and reapply every two hours when outdoors.

Dress smart

The sun’s harsh rays can exacerbate your vitiligo.  Make sure you wear clothing that protects your skin.

Stress reduction

Stress contributes to the spread of vitiligo.  Make time to relax and take care of yourself.

Supplement with vitamins

According to Vitiligo Support International, Inc., studies have shown that people with vitiligo are often deficient in certain vitamins, like folic acid, B12, copper and zinc.

When to See a Healthcare Professional

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional when:

• Symptoms are severe or worsening
• The skin is bleeding or very painful
• There are signs of infection
• The problem keeps returning
• Home care is not helping
• You are unsure what is causing the symptoms
• You have diabetes, poor circulation, or another condition that may affect healing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a condition in which patches of skin lose pigment. It is thought to involve autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors, though the exact cause is not fully understood.

Can vitiligo be treated?

A range of medical treatments and cosmetic options exist. A healthcare professional or dermatologist can help you understand what may be appropriate for your situation.

What cosmetic options exist for vitiligo?

Cosmetic skin dyes and cover products are designed to help provide more even-looking coverage when desired. They do not treat the underlying condition.

Related Reading

• Understanding and Managing Vitiligo: Practical Tips