Ask a doctor - What is Vitiligo and how does it occur?

Q. What is Vitiligo and how does it occur?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Seconmedic Expert

Vitiligo is an acquired condition characterized by the loss of skin pigmentation in patches. It can affect anyone, though it is more prevalent in people with a history of sun exposure and those with certain genetic backgrounds. The precise cause of vitiligo is still unknown, but current medical research suggests that it may be related to autoimmune responses or genetic factors affecting the production or function of melanocytes (cells which produce color pigment) in the skin and other parts of body including hair and eyes.

The most common form of vitiligo typically begins as small patches on areas exposed to direct sunlight such as face, hands, arms and feet. These patches then slowly spread over time to other parts of the body creating irregularly-shaped white spots on darker skin tones. While there may not be any sensation linked with these blotches initially, some affected individuals can experience slight itching or burning sensation around them when they first appear. In addition to the cosmetic changes caused by Vitiligo, people may also experience premature graying or whitening at young age due to destruction/inactivity of melanocytes which determines color variation across different regions on our bodies like scalp versus face etc.

Though there is no cure for this condition yet, many treatments are available such as topical corticosteroids creams/ointments (to reduce inflammation), phototherapy (light therapy using ultraviolet light), depigmentation therapy involving usage topical monobenzone cream (used for reducing pigment from unaffected area for better blending). Surgery has also been used successfully in rare cases where grafting healthy tissues from one part onto another has reversed discoloration process upon successful transplantation & healing process involved thereafter . Counseling services are important too so that mental stress associated with this condition can be minimized along side providing support groups for sharing experiences & learning about coping strategies that have been implemented by others living with vitiligo worldwide!