Vitiligo is a condition that occurs as melanin cells stop producing melanin, which are the pigment producing cells in your skin. The cause of the condition is not fully understood, although some doctors and scientists attribute it to family history and autoimmune disorders. There is no known cure for vitiligo either, although certain treatments or remedies may make the condition less noticeable.
White Patches on the Skin
This is the most common symptom associated with vitiligo. This is directly attributed to the pigment loss in the skin. The patches may grow and progress over time, making them more and more noticeable. Certain treatments may be available to slow or stop vitiligo's progression, however.
Other Symptoms
Some patients may experience whitening of their hair, eyelashes, beard or eyebrows. Some may notice that they lose color on the inside of their mouth, while others may notice changes in eye color. The skin patches may appear limited to only a few areas, may be on only one side of the body or may all over the body. The condition appears mostly on sun exposed areas such as the hands, feet, arms, face and lips. Patients who notice white patches on their skin are encouraged to speak with a skincare professional to diagnose the condition and to discuss possible treatments.
