Vitiligo

You cannot "catch" vitiligo from others. It’s an autoimmune condition, where the body attacks itself (in this case melanocytes, the cells that make melanin) and it may run in families.

Other conditions may mimic this, for example, an area of inflammation may reduce the pigment as the skin heals, or a fungal infection can do the same. But in these conditions the pigment is reduced rather than lost, so the patches are a lighter colour compared to your normal skin tone, rather than stark white seen in vitiligo. This contrast is seen most obviously with darker skin tones; patches on Caucasian skin may appear pink. In sun-exposed areas, these areas need particular protection from the sun, as melanin usually does this job.

About half of sufferers notice patches by the age of 20, with most others developing them before 30. They affect all races, although there is a higher incidence in Indians, and they affect men and women equally.

Due to the lower levels of pigment in the skin, sufferers of vitiligo must be conscious when out in direct sunlight, as they may be prone to sunburn. As for everyone when at risk of the suns UV rays; use a high factor sun cream, slip on a shirt and slop a hat on your head to cover up. The increased risk of sunburn and the areas affected by vitiligo lack melanin, meaning there is increased risk of harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Melanin provides some natural protection against sun damage, including the development of skin cancer.

You are fit for work if you have vitiligo. It is not contagious. You should be able to continue with normal day-to-day.

You should book a routine appointment with your doctor if you noticed stark white patches on area of your body. With your consent, they will examine you and, depending on their assessment, will either start you on treatment (for vitiligo this is a high dose steroid cream, or refer you to a dermatologist.