What Is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly destroys melanocytes — the cells that produce skin pigment (melanin) — resulting in white patches on the skin. It can affect any area of the body including hair and the inside of the mouth.
Types
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Generalised vitiligo (most common) | Patches scattered across the body |
| Segmental vitiligo | One segment of the body only; earlier onset, faster to stabilise |
| Universal vitiligo | Most of the body surface depigmented (rare) |
Associated Autoimmune Conditions
- Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's) — most common association
- Hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease)
- Type 1 diabetes
- Pernicious anaemia (B12 deficiency)
- Addison's disease
- Alopecia areata
- Psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (less strong associations)
Blood Tests Ordered
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| TSH, free T4, anti-TPO | Thyroid disease — most common association |
| Fasting glucose + HbA1c | Type 1 diabetes screening |
| Vitamin B12 + Full Blood Count | Pernicious anaemia |
| Cortisol | Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's) |
| ANA | Broader autoimmune screen |
Treatment
- Topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus)
- Narrowband UVB phototherapy — most effective treatment; can repigment patches
- Oral JAK inhibitors (ruxolitinib cream, oral ritlecitinib) — newer treatments
- Camouflage cosmetics for quality of life
- Sunscreen — depigmented skin burns easily
FAQs
Is vitiligo contagious?
No — it is completely non-contagious.
Can vitiligo spread?
Yes — it can spread unpredictably. Stress, sunburn and trauma (Koebner phenomenon) can trigger new patches.
Can vitiligo be cured?
There is no guaranteed cure. Repigmentation is possible — particularly with NB-UVB phototherapy. New JAK inhibitors show excellent repigmentation results in clinical trials.
Medical Disclaimer: Vitiligo requires dermatological management. Screening for associated autoimmune conditions (particularly thyroid disease) is recommended at diagnosis.