World Vitiligo Day is marked on 25 June each year to raise awareness of a condition that affects many people in India, and to push back against the stigma and myths that often hurt more than the patches themselves.
What vitiligo is
Vitiligo causes white or lighter patches where the skin’s pigment cells (melanocytes) have stopped producing colour. It is considered an autoimmune condition: the immune system mistakenly targets pigment cells. Genes, stress, skin injury and other autoimmune conditions (such as thyroid disease) can play a part.
Common patterns include:
- Non-segmental vitiligo: patches on both sides of the body, often around the eyes, mouth, hands, feet and joints. This is the most common type.
- Segmental vitiligo: patches on one side or one area, often starting earlier in life and usually stable after a period of spread.
What vitiligo is not
- Not contagious. It cannot be caught from anyone.
- Not caused by food. Fish with milk, sour foods or white foods do not cause it.
- Not leprosy or any infection.
- Not a sign of poor hygiene or of a person’s character.
When to see a dermatologist
Early assessment helps. A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis (sometimes with a Wood’s lamp), rule out other causes of light patches, check for related conditions such as thyroid disease, and tell you whether the vitiligo is active (spreading) or stable, which decides treatment.
Treatment options
- Creams: steroid creams or calcineurin inhibitors (such as tacrolimus) calm the immune attack and help colour return, especially on the face. Newer JAK-inhibitor creams are available in some countries.
- Phototherapy: narrowband UVB light, given two or three times a week over months, stimulates pigment cells to repopulate patches. Targeted (excimer-type) devices treat small areas.
- Tablets: short courses of medicines may be used to stop rapidly spreading vitiligo.
- Surgery for stable patches that have not responded: grafting techniques (such as punch grafting or cell suspension transplants) move pigment cells from normal skin into white patches.
- Camouflage: specialised cover creams and self-tanning products are a safe, effective option at any stage.
Face and neck usually respond best; hands, feet and lips are more stubborn. Treatment takes months, and patience matters.
Living well with vitiligo
Treatment is a choice, not an obligation. Many people choose to treat; others choose acceptance; many do both at different times. What helps everyone:
- sun protection on white patches, which burn easily;
- reliable information instead of myths;
- support from family, friends and patient communities;
- talking to someone if the condition is affecting your mood or confidence.
Read our full guide to vitiligo. Ask about vitiligo treatment at your consultation.
