--- title: "Vitiligo: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers" description: "Vitiligo — causes of white skin patches, who it affects, NHS treatments including topical steroids and phototherapy, and living with the condition." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/vitiligo/ robots: noindex --- # Vitiligo: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers Health A–Z Vitiligo — causes of white skin patches, who it affects, NHS treatments including topical steroids and phototherapy, and living with the condition. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is vitiligo? Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin because pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) are destroyed. It can affect any part of the body including hair, and is not contagious or life-threatening. It affects roughly 1 in 100 people in the UK. Treatment can restore some colour in some patches — topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and phototherapy are main NHS options. Sun protection is important as affected skin burns easily. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Vitiligo, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 8 sections ## Key facts about vitiligo - Vitiligo causes pale white patches when melanocytes stop producing pigment — not contagious or harmful. - Affects about 1 in 100 people — can start at any age but often before 30. - Autoimmune condition — more common with other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes. - Face, hands, body folds, and areas around body openings are commonly affected. - Sun protection essential — depigmented skin has no natural UV protection and burns easily. ## Vitiligo — understanding white skin patches **Vitiligo** is a **long-term skin condition** causing **pale white patches** where the skin has lost its pigment. It happens when **melanocytes** — the cells producing melanin — are destroyed, most likely by an **autoimmune** process. Vitiligo is **not contagious**, **not painful**, and **not dangerous** — but it can significantly affect **appearance and confidence**, particularly when patches are on the **face, hands, or genitals**. ## Who gets vitiligo? Around **1 in 100 people** in the UK have vitiligo. It can start at **any age** but often appears **before age 30**. It affects all skin tones equally, though white patches are **more visible on darker skin**. Vitiligo is more common in people with other **autoimmune conditions** — thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, and alopecia areata. ## Types of vitiligo **Non-segmental vitiligo** — the most common type. Symmetrical patches on both sides of the body. Often starts on hands, feet, arms, face, or around body openings. May continue spreading. **Segmental vitiligo** — affects one area or side of the body. Starts earlier in life and usually stabilises within a year or two. **Focal vitiligo** — a few patches in one area without clear pattern. ## What triggers patches? The exact trigger is unknown. Possible factors include: - Genetics — family history common - Autoimmune attack on melanocytes - Physical trauma — cuts, burns (Koebner phenomenon) - Stress — emotional or physical - Severe sunburn ## Diagnosis A GP or dermatologist usually diagnoses vitiligo by **appearance** — characteristic well-defined white patches. A **Wood’s lamp** (UV light) can highlight depigmented areas. Blood tests may check for **thyroid disease** and other autoimmune conditions. Biopsy is rarely needed. ## NHS treatment options **Topical corticosteroids** — potent creams applied to patches for a limited period — most effective on face and trunk. **Calcineurin inhibitors** — tacrolimus or pimecrolimus cream — useful on face and neck where steroids are less suitable long-term. **Phototherapy** — narrowband UVB light two to three times weekly at hospital — can repigment patches over months. **Camouflage make-up** — NHS referral to skin camouflage services for cosmetic cover. **Depigmentation** — for extensive vitiligo affecting most of the body, remaining pigmented skin can be lightened with monobenzone cream — permanent decision. **JAK inhibitors** — ruxolitinib cream available in specialist settings for facial vitiligo. ## Sun protection Depigmented skin has **no natural UV protection**. Without sunscreen, patches **burn easily** and carry higher **skin cancer risk**. Use **SPF 30+** broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid sunbeds. ## Living with vitiligo Vitiligo is **not medically harmful** but the psychological impact is real. Support from dermatology teams, patient groups, and talking therapies helps. See [psoriasis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/psoriasis/) and [eczema](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/eczema/) for other common skin conditions that may coexist or be confused with vitiligo initially. ## ! When to see a GP about vitiligo See a GP if you notice new white patches on your skin, if existing patches are spreading, or if vitiligo is affecting your confidence and daily life. A GP can confirm the diagnosis and refer to dermatology for treatment. Seek urgent advice if a patch changes rapidly in shape, bleeds, or develops a raised border — skin cancer is rare but possible in any skin. See a GP if you develop vitiligo alongside other autoimmune symptoms such as fatigue, weight change, or joint pain. ## Common questions about vitiligo What causes vitiligo? Vitiligo happens when melanocytes — cells that produce skin pigment — are destroyed. It is thought to be autoimmune — the body's immune system attacks its own pigment cells. It runs in families and is associated with other autoimmune conditions including thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, and pernicious anaemia. Physical trauma, stress, and sunburn may trigger patches in susceptible people. Is vitiligo contagious? No. Vitiligo is not infectious — you cannot catch it from or pass it to another person. It is not caused by infection, poor hygiene, or diet. Can vitiligo be treated? Treatment can restore colour to some patches but does not work for everyone. Options include potent topical corticosteroids, tacrolimus or pimecrolimus creams, phototherapy (narrowband UVB), and camouflage make-up. Depigmentation therapy is an option for extensive vitiligo. Newer JAK inhibitor creams are being used in specialist centres. Will vitiligo spread? Vitiligo is unpredictable. Some people have a few stable patches for years; others develop more patches over time. Segmental vitiligo — affecting one side of the body — tends to stabilise sooner. Non-segmental vitiligo may continue to spread. Early treatment may slow progression. Do I need sun protection with vitiligo? Yes. White patches have no melanin and burn very easily, increasing skin cancer risk. Use high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or above), cover up, and avoid sunbeds. Some people use sunscreen on patches and brief controlled sun exposure on unaffected skin as part of phototherapy — only under medical guidance. Is vitiligo linked to other health conditions? Yes. People with vitiligo have higher rates of autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, pernicious anaemia, and alopecia areata. Your GP may recommend thyroid function blood tests. Treating associated conditions does not cure vitiligo but supports overall health. How does vitiligo affect mental health? Visible skin changes can significantly affect self-esteem, especially on the face and hands. Support is available through your GP, dermatology team, charities, and camouflage services on the NHS. Talking therapies help many people adjust to living with vitiligo. ## Sources - [NHS — Vitiligo](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitiligo/) - [NICE — Vitiligo](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng248) - [NHS — Sunscreen and sun safety](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/)