Vitiligo is not contagious. If you have the condition, you cannot pass it on
to someone else by touching them and it is not infectious. Vitiligo is
considered to be an ‘autoimmune’ condition in which the immune system attacks
the body’s own tissues.
The most common form of vitiligo appears in symmetrical form (generalised vitiligo) affecting both sides of the body. In some cases only one half of the body is affected (segmental vitiligo); this type has limited progression and is more difficult to treat. Vitiligo can spread to cover the entire body surface (universal vitiligo) but this is not usual.
The way the condition develops varies from one person to another and it is
unpredictable. Some people may not notice a change in their condition for many
years; for others it can spread quite quickly. In some cases, the white patches
can regain their colour without the person having any treatment. This is more
likely with children. However, it is very unusual for the condition to be
resolved completely without treatment.
Diagnosis of Vitiligo
If you have white patches of skin, it is important to go to your doctor for a diagnosis. The commonest type of vitiligo is symmetrical, with the patches often on the hands, on folds of skin at the armpit and groin, and around the body’s ‘openings’ – mouth, eyes and genitals. There are other conditions which can be mistaken for vitiligo, so you need a medical diagnosis to be sure.
When you see the doctor, it may be helpful to:
write down questions before you go. This may help you to feel in control of the consultation and to make sure your concerns are dealt with.
have a trusted person with you, who can support you and help you to make sense of the information afterwards.
ask for information to take away with you. You may want to find out more about vitiligo before making any decisions, and
arrange another appointment to discuss treatment options. Do not feel you have to commit yourself to a course of action if you are not ready to do this yet.
The most common form of vitiligo appears in symmetrical form (generalised vitiligo) affecting both sides of the body. In some cases only one half of the body is affected (segmental vitiligo); this type has limited progression and is more difficult to treat. Vitiligo can spread to cover the entire body surface (universal vitiligo) but this is not usual.
Diagnosis of Vitiligo
If you have white patches of skin, it is important to go to your doctor for a diagnosis. The commonest type of vitiligo is symmetrical, with the patches often on the hands, on folds of skin at the armpit and groin, and around the body’s ‘openings’ – mouth, eyes and genitals. There are other conditions which can be mistaken for vitiligo, so you need a medical diagnosis to be sure.
When you see the doctor, it may be helpful to:
write down questions before you go. This may help you to feel in control of the consultation and to make sure your concerns are dealt with.
have a trusted person with you, who can support you and help you to make sense of the information afterwards.
ask for information to take away with you. You may want to find out more about vitiligo before making any decisions, and
arrange another appointment to discuss treatment options. Do not feel you have to commit yourself to a course of action if you are not ready to do this yet.
