Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes a loss of pigment from areas of skin. The result is irregular white patches or blotches on the skin. Vitiligo appears to occur when immune cells destroy the cells that produce brown pigment coloring. This destruction is thought to be due to an autoimmune problem, but the cause is unknown. Vitiligo affects both sides of the body equally, most often in the areas of the face, elbows and knees, hands, feet, and genits. Vitiligo is more noticeable in darker-skinned people because of the contrast of white patches against dark skin. Other than changes in the skin color no other skin changes occur.
Treatments for vitiligo range from topical creams or lotions to photo therapy. To learn more about vitiligo, contact us today!