Vitiligo Causes and Symptoms

Vitiligo is a skin depigmentation disorder, which is also referred to as leukoderma.



It is seen as white spots or patches, which occur due to the decrease in levels of melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells that help in the storage of melanin, which is the colour pigment in humans and animals. Destruction of the pigment in certain areas results in patches or loss of colour. It is also known as white spot disease. Melanin protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation.



Cessation of melanocytes by melanin causes pale skin or vitiligo. The texture of the skin fails to change.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder, which refers to the improper identification of cells by the system, thereby resulting in self destruction of the cells. This is associated with a poor immune system. Physical or psychological stress also causes leukoderma.



Vitiligo attack is common at any age. It is better seen in dark individuals, due to the contrast coloured patches. The patches of pigment have a dark border. They are irregular in shape and have a well defined border.

Vitiligo symptoms include white patches in areas such as nostrils, genitals, armpits, mouth, navel and eyes. It is also common in areas that are easily exposed to the sun, namely, legs, hands, lips, arms and face. Vitiligo is seen as three patterns in affected individuals. Generalized vitiligo is the depigmentation of different parts, but in a symmetric manner on both the sides of the body. Focal pattern includes a specific area, or smaller areas. Segmental pattern is the depigmentation of the skin on one entire side.

Generalised vitiligo is the common pattern, amidst the three. The other typical vitiligo symptoms are the loss of hair colour. Depigmentation of hair colour in the scalp, eyebrows, beard and eyelashes are also seen to occur. It also affects the pigment colour of the retina. The risk of vitiligo is as high as thirty percent, in case of infected parents or relatives. Other causative factors include exposure to chemicals (catechol and phenol), autotoxic response, burns, secondary infection such as uveitis, diabetes and alopecia areata and inflammatory skin disorders.



Autotoxic response is the condition, wherein a hazardous residue is seen. These, in turn annihilate the newly formed melanocytes.

Surgical treatment involves skin grafting, pigment transplantation and immunomodulators. Other treatment options are topical psoralens, pseudocatalase cream and steroid creams. Prevention of vitiligo is not possible, though certain precautionary measures prove beneficial. Use sunscreens with high SPF (sun protection factor) prevent the detrimental effects of UV rays.