Vitiligo: understanding, causes, symptoms, and management
- On 06/01/2026
Vitiligo is a dermatological condition caused by the disappearance or malfunction of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes.
When these cells stop functioning or are destroyed, areas of skin lose their normal pigmentation and become white.
Types of vitiligo
We mainly distinguish several forms of vitiligo:
1. Non-segmental (generalized) vitiligo
The most frequent
The spots appear symmetrically on the body.
Can evolve gradually
2. Segmental vitiligo
Touch only one part of the body.
Rapid evolution but often stable after a few years
Occurs mainly in children and young adults
3. Focal vitiligo
One or a few localized spots
Can remain stable or evolve into a generalized form
4. Universal vitiligo
Almost total depigmentation of the skin
Rare form
Causes of vitiligo
The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully known, but several factors are involved:
- Autoimmune disease: the immune system attacks melanocytes
- Genetic factors: family history
- Emotional or physical stress
- Environmental factors (exposure to certain chemicals)
- Hormonal imbalances
Vitiligo is sometimes associated with other autoimmune diseases such as:
Vitiligo symptoms
The main signs include:
- Appearance of well-defined white spots on the skin
- Depigmentation of hair (premature gray hair)
- Loss of color in the mucous membranes (lips, genitals)
- Absence of pain or itching in the majority of cases
The most affected areas are:
- Face
- Hands
- Feet
- Elbows and knees Areas around natural orifices
Diagnosis of vitiligo
The diagnosis is generally clinical and is based on:
- The examination of the skin by a dermatologist
- The use of a Wood's lamp to better visualize the lesions
- Blood tests may be requested to look for associated diseases.
How to cure vitiligo: what are the depigmentation treatments?
Although there is no definitive cure for vitiligo, several therapeutic approaches are available to mitigate the appearance of skin lesions and slow down the progression of the disease in the patient. It is crucial to manage vitiligo quickly when it is active. It is generally easier to halt the progression of active or mild vitiligo than to restore pigmentation to areas affected by long-standing, well-established vitiligo. The following treatments are frequently used:
- Topical corticosteroids: these creams or ointments based on corticosteroids can be applied to depigmented spots to promote skin repigmentation.
- Vitamin D analogs: these medications are often used in combination with topical corticosteroids to stimulate melanin production in the affected areas.
- Phototherapy treatments: Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to promote repigmentation. This procedure is generally performed under the supervision of a dermatologist.
Melanocyte grafts: this surgical procedure involves transplanting healthy melanocytes onto depigmented areas to restore skin color. However, this technique is generally reserved for severe and stable cases.