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.

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 and eczema for other common skin conditions that may coexist or be confused with vitiligo initially.

Common questions

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.

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