Vitiligo is a skin condition caused by progressive depigmentation (white patches), usually on the face, elbows, knees, hands, feet, genitals and upper thighs. Vitiligo is not uncommon, affecting between one-half and one percent of the population. The condition appears to be an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment.
There is also some correlation between vitiligo and three other autoimmune diseases: pernicious anemia, hyperthyroidism and Addison's disease.
Your provider at AllPhases Dermatology will tailor treatment to you. Potential treatments include:
- Phototherapy
- Topical corticosteroids and immunosuppressants
Vitiligo FAQs
- Who does vitiligo affect?
- Vitiligo can affect people of any race, age or gender but it is more noticeable in individuals with darker skin tones. It often develops before the age of 40.
- Is vitiligo contagious?
- Vitiligo is not contagious. It is a non-communicable condition that cannot be spread through contact with affected individuals.
- Can vitiligo patches spread?
- Vitiligo patches can spread over time, but the rate and extent of spread vary from person to person. In some cases, new patches may appear, while existing patches may enlarge or merge with adjacent patches.