Almirall
Vitiligo

Vitiligo signs & symptoms

Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition in which melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment, stop working or disappear. 

 

This leads to lighter or white patches on the skin. It affects people of all skin types and can have both aesthetic and emotional impact. 

 

A clear understanding of the signs of vitiligo helps with early recognition and supports better management. 

What are the main signs of vitiligo?

If you think you may have vitiligo, you should look for the following signs.  

Spots and patches of lighter skin

Most people first notice vitiligo as small pale areas that stand out from the surrounding skin. These patches may stay the same size for a while, but they often grow over time. Edges may look smooth or irregular. The skin usually feels normal to the touch, and it doesn’t hurt or cause discomfort, although mild itching can appear before a patch enlarges. Lighter patches and spots are a key early sign. 

Patches that turn white

Lighter patches can gradually become completely white when melanocytes stop working or disappear. Once the condition stops actively damaging these cells, the affected areas often lose all remaining pigment. This shift from slightly pale or pink colour to bright white can make vitiligo more noticeable, especially on darker skin.  

Premature whitening of body hair

Vitiligo can also affect hair. When patches appear on areas with hair, the hairs in that region may turn grey or white earlier than expected. This can involve the eyelashes, eyebrows, scalp, or body hair. 

Loss of colour of the tissues inside your nostrils

Pigment loss can extend to mucous membranes, such as the lining of the nose or the inside of the mouth. This change is less visible to most people, but it remains medically relevant. 

Changes in or loss of colour in your eyes

Although many people associate vitiligo only with the skin, it can influence pigmentation in the eyes as well. Some individuals notice subtle changes in the iris or lighter spots on the surface of the eye. Vision rarely suffers, but these changes show that pigment loss can reach deeper structures. 

Thyroid problems

Vitiligo often links with other autoimmune conditions, particularly thyroid disease. Research shows a higher rate of autoimmune thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, in people with vitiligo. Subclinical hypothyroidism also appears more frequently in this group.

Where does vitiligo appear on the body?

Vitiligo can develop on almost any part of the skin and may also affect hair-bearing and mucous areas. Patches commonly appear on the face, hands, arms, and feet. They can also appear around the mouth and eyes, on the fingers and wrists, in the armpits and groin, on the genitals, and inside the mouth.

Non-segmental vitiligo often shows a symmetrical pattern. For example, patches may appear on both hands, both knees, or both sides of the face. 

What is the progression of vitiligo?

Vitiligo progresses in highly individual ways. Most people first notice one or a few small patches. These may stay unchanged for years or gradually increase in size.

Non-segmental vitiligo often spreads slowly and unpredictably, while segmental vitiligo tends to progress quicker for a short period before settling. It cannot be reliably predicted how much skin will be affected, where new patches might develop, or whether some areas may eventually regain pigment.

Some patches remain stable for long periods, while others expand or give rise to new ones. Because pigment loss leaves skin more vulnerable to sun damage, people with vitiligo often need to take extra care with sun protection. 

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