Vitiligo results from a change in your melanocytes, the cells that make
pigment (coloring) in your skin and other areas of your body.
Symptoms of vitiligo include an often rapid pigment loss in several areas of the skin. The initial appearance of the white patches can be followed by a stable period without any progression of the condition. Later on, further cycles of pigment loss and stability may be observed. Vitiligo commonly affects areas on the skin that are exposed to sun, body folds (such as armpits), previous sites of injury, areas aroundmoles, or areas around body orifices (openings). It is rare for pigment to return once the white patches have developed. Vitiligo can also affect the eyes and hair.
Different patterns of discoloration depend on the type of vitiligo that you have. These may be important in your diagnosis.
Segmental: This type manifests as one or more areas of pigment loss on only one side of the body. It occurs most commonly in children.This type of vitiligo is not associated with thyroid or other autoimmune disorders.
Mucosal: Mucous membranes alone are affected.
Vulgaris: This is characterized by scattered patches that are widely distributed.
Mixed: Acrofacial and vulgaris vitiligo occur in combination, or segmental and acrofacial vitiligo and/or vulgaris involvement are noted in combination.
Universal: This is complete or nearly complete depigmentation.
Symptoms of vitiligo include an often rapid pigment loss in several areas of the skin. The initial appearance of the white patches can be followed by a stable period without any progression of the condition. Later on, further cycles of pigment loss and stability may be observed. Vitiligo commonly affects areas on the skin that are exposed to sun, body folds (such as armpits), previous sites of injury, areas aroundmoles, or areas around body orifices (openings). It is rare for pigment to return once the white patches have developed. Vitiligo can also affect the eyes and hair.
Different patterns of discoloration depend on the type of vitiligo that you have. These may be important in your diagnosis.
Localized
Focal: This type is characterized by one or more areas of pigment loss in a confined area.Segmental: This type manifests as one or more areas of pigment loss on only one side of the body. It occurs most commonly in children.This type of vitiligo is not associated with thyroid or other autoimmune disorders.
Mucosal: Mucous membranes alone are affected.
Generalized
Acrofacial: Depigmentation occurs on parts away from the center of the body such as face, head, hands and feet.Vulgaris: This is characterized by scattered patches that are widely distributed.
Mixed: Acrofacial and vulgaris vitiligo occur in combination, or segmental and acrofacial vitiligo and/or vulgaris involvement are noted in combination.
Universal: This is complete or nearly complete depigmentation.
