Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin loses its colour in patches, leaving white areas. It happens because the body's immune system attacks the cells that make skin colour. It is not contagious, not caused by eating fish with milk, and is not leprosy. It is not dangerous to health, but it can affect confidence, and treatment can bring back colour in some people.
Symptoms
- Milky-white patches of skin, often on the face, hands, feet or around the mouth and eyes
- Patches often appear on both sides of the body
- White hair in the eyebrows, eyelashes, beard or scalp
- Patches burn easily in the sun
- Patches may slowly spread or stay the same for years
Causes
- The immune system attacks pigment cells (an autoimmune process)
- It can run in families
- More common in people with thyroid disease or type 1 diabetes
- Stress, sunburn or skin injury may trigger new patches
Prevention
- There is no known way to prevent vitiligo
- Protect white patches from the sun with clothing, a hat and sunscreen
- Avoid injuring the skin, such as tight clothing that rubs
- Do not use bleaching creams or unknown remedies on the skin
Treatment
- Steroid creams or other prescription creams for small patches, as advised by a doctor
- Light therapy at a specialist centre for wider patches
- Treatment works slowly and best on the face; results vary between people
- Cosmetic cover creams for confidence
- Counselling and support if it affects mood or social life
- Do not use strong steroid creams for a long time without a doctor
Common questions
Does eating fish and milk together cause vitiligo?
No. This is a common belief, but there is no evidence that any food combination causes vitiligo. You do not need to avoid any particular food.
Can vitiligo spread to other people?
No. Vitiligo is not an infection. It is safe to touch, eat with, marry and live with a person who has vitiligo.