Vitiligo: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment Methods

Vitiligo is one of the conditions that physically affect the human body. It is a skin disorder that occurs due to a lack of pigment. It can spread in various ways across the body but does not pose a health risk. While there have been advancements in the medical field to address the light-colored spots, there is no definitive cure, and it cannot be prevented. Vitiligo has different types depending on the area it affects and how it spreads. You can learn more about vitiligo by reading the rest of our article.

What Is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is the condition where light-colored spots appear on the body. Melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, which gives the skin its color, are sometimes destroyed by the body’s immune system. In areas where melanin cannot be produced, colorless spots begin to form. These spots usually occur on the hands, face, and arms, but they can also appear on areas such as the genital region, hair, and eyebrows. These colorless spots are non-contagious, and after they appear, they may either spread across the body or remain localized at the initial sites. Although vitiligo does not cause pain or discomfort, spots that develop in sun-exposed areas may become itchy or raised due to the sun's effect.

What Are the Types of Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is classified based on how it spreads. It can affect individuals of all age groups and appears in many parts of the body.

Non-Segmental Vitiligo

Non-segmental vitiligo, also known as bilateral vitiligo, refers to color loss that appears symmetrically on both sides of the body. It is commonly seen on the backs of hands, around the eyes, on the knees, elbows, and feet. Over time, it continues to spread symmetrically. It is also one of the most common types of vitiligo.

Segmental Vitiligo

Segmental vitiligo, in contrast to non-segmental vitiligo, is seen on only one side of the body. Color loss occurs in a single location. This type often starts in early childhood and spreads to a certain point before stopping. It is more commonly observed in children. In addition to skin depigmentation, it may also affect the hair and eyebrows.

Localized Vitiligo

Localized vitiligo occurs when colorless patches form on a single or a few spots on the body. This type does not spread and covers only small areas.

Generalized Vitiligo

Generalized vitiligo, unlike localized vitiligo, spreads across many areas of the body. Most parts of the body will have colorless patches.

Complete Vitiligo

Complete vitiligo is a very rare form where almost no skin retains its natural color. The majority of the body is covered with cells lacking melanin, leading to complete depigmentation.

What Are the Symptoms and Causes of Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is caused by a deficiency in the melanin pigment. It occurs when there are insufficient melanocytes to produce melanin and can develop regardless of factors such as race, gender, or age. The exact reasons for the destruction of melanocytes are not fully understood, but several theories exist. One possible cause is autoimmune conditions, where the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body’s healthy cells, potentially affecting melanocytes. In addition to causes, there are risk factors for vitiligo. These include having a family history of vitiligo, autoimmune diseases, melanoma, or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Other potential causes include oxidative stress from antioxidant imbalances and environmental factors like sunburn. In some cases, injuries such as cuts or abrasions can lead to small vitiligo patches. There are also symptoms that help in diagnosing vitiligo. These symptoms include:

Light-colored areas around the mouth and eyes
Color loss on fingers and wrists
Color loss in the armpits, groin, and genital area
Color changes in the mouth and hair
An inflammatory brownish appearance around the patches
Dry skin
Graying of eyelashes and beard
Rarely, itchy patches

How is Vitiligo Diagnosed?

Vitiligo typically starts with small patches that can spread across the body within a few months. The light-colored patches caused by vitiligo are easily visible. To confirm the diagnosis, a wood's lamp, which emits ultraviolet light, can be used. Medical history is also reviewed to assess when the patches first appeared, whether they are localized or widespread, whether the patient has autoimmune disorders such as hypothyroidism or type 1 diabetes, and other medical treatments the person may have undergone. In some cases, a biopsy may be needed to rule out conditions such as T-cell lymphoma, which can sometimes present with similar symptoms. A biopsy would help determine if cancerous cells are responsible for the skin changes. If no cancerous cells are found, it can be confirmed that vitiligo is the cause. A blood test may also be ordered to check for any autoimmune disease that could be responsible for the condition. After diagnosing vitiligo, tests may be done to assess its severity. These tests are based on scoring systems, but they do not provide definitive results and are only used to assist the diagnosis.

How is Vitiligo Treated?

Vitiligo is not a curable condition, but certain measures, such as reducing the skin's exposure to sunlight, can help improve comfort. There are no drugs or vaccines that can alter the progression of vitiligo. However, some treatments, though not guaranteed to work, can help restore some pigment. These treatments often involve medications, especially those affecting the immune system. Doctors may recommend using these medications in conjunction with phototherapy. Phototherapy, combined with corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, can show effects after 1 to 3 months of treatment. However, phototherapy is not guaranteed to work, and side effects such as redness, itching, and burning are possible. Another method is the use of a depigmentation agent applied to the affected areas. This treatment aims to reduce the color difference between pigmented and depigmented areas. The darker areas gradually lighten, minimizing the contrast between the colorless and colored patches.

In addition to phototherapy, medications, and color-matching treatments, there are also surgical options. One option is skin grafting, where tissue from areas with little vitiligo is transferred to affected areas. This procedure, also known as tissue transplantation, can help restore pigment to colorless areas. Another option is suspension cell grafting. In this treatment, the doctor takes a sample of pigmented tissue from healthy areas and transfers it to the affected region. This process is repeated for a period of time, and results can be seen in about one month. However, no treatment offers a guaranteed cure, and challenges remain with each method. Besides medical treatments, cosmetic options such as camouflage can help with the visual difference. Makeup can be used to cover the patches if the individual prefers. However, if the individual is not troubled by the condition and it is not causing a health risk, they may choose to apply necessary treatments only to sun-exposed areas. High-protection sunscreens can reduce tanning and minimize the appearance of color transitions, while also preventing damage to the sensitive depigmented patches.

Although vitiligo affects the physical appearance, it is a harmless and non-contagious condition. Research into treatments continues, and various treatment options, which can vary from person to person, are being explored. Until more conclusive treatment options are available, vitiligo is considered a condition without a definitive cure. However, visual differences can be addressed with makeup and other methods, helping to reduce the diversity of color.

Last Updated Date: 16 November 2022

Publication Date: 16 November 2022

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