In segmental vitiligo (also known as unilateral or localised vitiligo), the
white patches only affect one area of your body.
Segmental vitiligo is less common than non-segmental vitiligo, although it's more common in children. It usually starts earlier and affects three in 10 children with vitiligo.
Segmental vitiligo affects one segment, or side, of the body (a hand, a leg, or the face) and in 50% of individuals some hair (on head, eyebrows, eyelashes). Symptoms appear at an early age and progress for only a few years. Non-segmental vitiligo is more common and affects both sides of the body. It usually begins with a short-lived burst of discoloration on the hands, feet, or face. The affected areas expand with new cycles of pigment loss that occur throughout the person’s life.
Vitiligo is caused by the lack of a pigment called melanin in the skin. Melanin is produced by skin cells called melanocytes, and it gives your skin its colour.
The light/white blotches of skin associated with Segmental vitiligo form when melanocytes fail to produce melanin. It is not known what causes melanocytes to die or stop producing melanin, but the following may play a role:
Autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body mistakenly attacks and destroys its own cells. Hyperthyroidism is one such condition that may launch an immune response against melanocytes.
Family history. Individuals with a family history of vitiligo are more likely to inherit the genetic factors that affect melanocyte function.
Distress. Excessive stress or exposure to sun and certain hazardous chemicals may also trigger pigment loss.
Segmental vitiligo is less common than non-segmental vitiligo, although it's more common in children. It usually starts earlier and affects three in 10 children with vitiligo.
Segmental vitiligo affects one segment, or side, of the body (a hand, a leg, or the face) and in 50% of individuals some hair (on head, eyebrows, eyelashes). Symptoms appear at an early age and progress for only a few years. Non-segmental vitiligo is more common and affects both sides of the body. It usually begins with a short-lived burst of discoloration on the hands, feet, or face. The affected areas expand with new cycles of pigment loss that occur throughout the person’s life.
Vitiligo is caused by the lack of a pigment called melanin in the skin. Melanin is produced by skin cells called melanocytes, and it gives your skin its colour.
The light/white blotches of skin associated with Segmental vitiligo form when melanocytes fail to produce melanin. It is not known what causes melanocytes to die or stop producing melanin, but the following may play a role:
Autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body mistakenly attacks and destroys its own cells. Hyperthyroidism is one such condition that may launch an immune response against melanocytes.
Family history. Individuals with a family history of vitiligo are more likely to inherit the genetic factors that affect melanocyte function.
Distress. Excessive stress or exposure to sun and certain hazardous chemicals may also trigger pigment loss.
