PG
1
1
Mild severity
· Dermatology
Vitiligo
Loss of skin pigment · Auto-immune
Pigment-making cells are attacked and destroyed, leaving milky white patches. New treatments like JAK inhibitors are changing prognosis.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- 1–2% of Indians
- Typical age
- Any age, often before 30
- Outlook
- Stabilizable, partly reversible
- System
- Skin
Reviewed by a verified Dermatology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Auto-immune mechanism
- Family history
- Trauma to skin (Koebner)
- Linked to thyroid, diabetes
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Sharp-edged white patches
- Often symmetrical
- Hair in patch may also turn white
- Itching in some
- Slow or rapid spread
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors
- Narrow-band UVB phototherapy
- JAK inhibitors (topical ruxolitinib)
- Surgical melanocyte transplant
- Cosmetic camouflage
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Manage co-existing thyroid disease
- Avoid skin trauma
- Sun-protect both patch and surrounding skin
Do’s
- Apply sunscreen on white patches
- Treat thyroid and B12 levels
- Join a support community
- Try treatment early — best results
Don’ts
- Believe it's contagious
- Use bleaching agents
- Skip sunscreen on patches
- Promise quick cure with home remedies
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all dermatology doctors Top 4 doctors for Vitiligo
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
VM
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KR
3
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KN
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.