Is this condition hereditary?

In about 20% of cases, vitiligo patients have at least one relative who is affected by vitiligo. Relatives of a patient with vitiligo have a ten-times-higher risk of being affected.

Are certain body areas more susceptible to vitiligo?

Vitiligo appears more frequently in areas where the base skin color is darker compared to other body parts, such as: the face, nipples, armpits, the navel, genitals, and palms. Other common areas are joint such as knees, ankles and elbows, areas around openings such as the eyes, mouth, and anus.

Is this condition dangerous?

Vitiligo isn’t dangerous. Its impact is only visual and aesthetic, and it has no effect on the physical health of the patient. The external appearance of the patient may raise questions and suspicious looks which may affect their self-body image.

Is vitiligo contagious?

Vitiligo isn’t contagious. This is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks melanocytes (the body’s pigment-generating cells).

What is the nature and course of the condition?

In some patients, the condition resolves on its own, however in most cases additional treatments are required. In some cases, treatments lead to a recovery of the natural color of the skin, and in others the condition remains unchanged.

Is there a limitation to sun exposure?

Vitiligo areas are more sensitive to sun exposure due to pigment deficiency. The pigment task is mainly directed to sun protection. In order to avoid sunburns or other sun-related damage it is important to avoid excessive sun exposure. It is equally important to apply a high-SPF sunscreen prior to sun exposure. If you engage in activities which involve excess sweating or contact with water (which lead to washing the sunscreen off the skin and to a reduction in its efficacy) application should be repeated every two hours.

What treatments are available for vitiligo?

There are cases where the condition resolves on its own, however in most cases treatment is required. In some patients, treatments lead to the recovery of skin color (either fully or partly), however in others the condition remains unchanged despite repeated treatments.

Most treatments are effective as long as vitiligo affects areas with hair follicles. In areas with no hair follicles, such as the ankles, wrists, and feet, treatments have limited or no effect.