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Vitiligo

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Vitiligo is a condition that causes pale white patches to develop on the skin. This occurs due to a lack of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. You might notice these patches on any part of your body, and they may gradually increase in size. Treatment options include topical treatments and light therapy.

   Poll

What’s the most challenging aspect of living with vitiligo?

FAQ

What causes vitiligo?

The exact cause is unknown, but vitiligo is believed to be an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys melanocytes. People with a family history of vitiligo may be at higher risk of developing it. Researchers continue to study how other factors may play a role.

No, vitiligo is not contagious.

Treatments for vitiligo include topical creams, oral immunosuppressants, light therapy, and depigmentation. Cosmetics can help camouflage white patches.
Yes, vitiligo can cause white or gray patches in a person’s hair and on their eyebrows.
There is currently no cure for vitiligo. It is considered a lifelong condition.
Meet Our Experts In Vitiligo
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Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
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Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sin...

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Oyetewa Asempa, MD, FAAD

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Oyetewa Asempa is an assistant professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine, and the director of the Skin of Color Clinic for Baylor's department of dermatology. She ...

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mohiba-tareen-bio

Mohiba Tareen, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Mohiba Tareen, MD, is a nationally acclaimed board-certified dermatologist. She practices medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology at her Minnesota medical practice, Tareen Derm...

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Kimberly Shao, MD

Medical Reviewer
Jacquelyn Dosal

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments...

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Lydia-J-Johnson-bio

Lydia J. Johnson, MD

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Lydia Johnson, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist. Her medical career of more than 20 years has included work in private practice and in an academic medical center, as well as ...
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Ross Radusky, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Ross Radusky, MD, is a practicing board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas. Originally from New York City, he graduated summa cum la...

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Resources
  1. Vitiligo. Mayo Clinic. February 1, 2024.

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