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No vitiligo-specific autoantibody
Associated autoimmune conditions may show:
Anti-TPO (thyroid peroxidase)
Anti-thyroglobulin
Other thyroid or islet cell antibodies
Skin
Hair, eyes, and mucous membranes may also be affected
Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune skin condition where the body’s immune system destroys melanocytes—the skin cells responsible for making pigment. As a result, white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body, including the face, hands, arms, legs, and sometimes even hair or eyes.
Vitiligo is not contagious or life-threatening, but it can significantly affect self-esteem and quality of life.
Pale or white patches of skin (especially on face, hands, and around body openings)
Early graying of scalp or facial hair
Loss of pigment inside the mouth or nose
Symmetrical appearance – often affects both sides of the body
Some people experience itching or tingling before patches appear
Non-segmental (generalized) – most common, appears on both sides of the body
Segmental – affects one side or part of the body, often develops earlier and spreads quickly
Focal – limited to one or a few areas
Universal – rare, loss of most skin pigment across the body
Vitiligo is considered autoimmune, but exact causes are unclear. Possible contributors include:
Autoimmune attack on melanocytes
Genetics – family history increases risk
Triggering events (sunburn, stress, injury, illness)
Neurochemical or oxidative stress in melanocytes
May be associated with other autoimmune diseases like:
Thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s, Graves’)
Type 1 diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
Diagnosis is usually based on:
Visual examination by a dermatologist
Wood’s lamp test (UV light to highlight pigment loss)
Blood tests – to check for associated autoimmune conditions (e.g., thyroid antibodies)
There is no cure, but several treatments can help restore pigment or reduce spread:
Topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus)
Phototherapy (narrowband UVB) – encourages melanocyte activity
Excimer laser – for small, localized areas
Depigmentation therapy – for widespread vitiligo (to unify skin tone)
Micropigmentation (tattooing) or cosmetic cover-ups
Mental health support and peer support groups are important for emotional well-being
The condition is chronic and may progress unpredictably
Some people have stable vitiligo, others experience cycles of pigment loss and regrowth
Treatment is more effective when started early
Vitiligo does not cause physical harm, but may be distressing emotionally
Affects about 1% of the global population
Can begin at any age, but most often before age 30
Affects all genders and ethnicities equally
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). (2022). Vitiligo.
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/vitiligo
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). (2023). Vitiligo overview.
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/vitiligo-overview
Taïeb, A., & Picardo, M. (2009). Clinical practice: Vitiligo. New England Journal of Medicine, 360(2), 160–169.
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp0804388
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