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Symptoms of Vitiligo

What is Vitiligo? People initially develop white patches on their skin. It may commence as a small pale dot which subsequently manifests as white or hypopigmented macules or patches due to loss of melanocytes over affected areas.

The lesions are usually well demarcated, in circles, elliptical, or linear in nature. The margins may be convex. Patches can also emerge on the mucous membranes, genitalia and umbilicus. Some lesions have hyperpigmentation around the edges.

Scalp involvement is typically seen as localized patch of white or gray hair but total loss of colour may also occur.

Although patches are small at the onset, they often widen and alter shape. Lesions range from millimetres to centimetres in size. In several patients it may start as a solitary spot and may not spread for years or for all over the life. In contrast some patients spreading may be hasty, as fast as from one spot to many, in a few months period. Swiftness of spread is unpredictable. Also, some patients may show discontinuous spread. It is also noted that individuals affected on areas such as finger tips, are at a high threat of having an aggressive spread; even though it is not a rule. It is impossible to forecast how much colour a person will lose. Colour loss can remain unaffected for years. Some people see patches extend and new patches appear. On a rare instance, the skin resumes its lost colour.