Vitiligo, an autoimmune condition, occurs when the body rejects the pigmented cells of the skin, leaving white patches throughout the face or body. These white patches are more noticeable on darker skin. Vitiligo is believed to be a genetic condition, meaning that it can be passed on through the family line but is not contagious. Although many individuals with vitiligo face with social and psychological distress due to their symptoms, it is not a dangerous or life-threatening condition.
There are no treatments that can completely fix or prevent vitiligo. However, there are several options available for patients who are interested in dealing with the condition. Treatment can have the capability of restoring color to the affected area but it does not prevent continued loss of skin color or a recurrence of vitiligo from happening. Treating vitiligo may involve multiple approaches and/or combinations of approaches. Treatments may be successful at first but may fade overtime or new patches may develop.