Signs and Symptoms of Vitiligo

Signs and Symptoms of Vitiligo

The main sign of Vitiligo is pigment loss. This causes milky-white patches (depigmentation) on skin. Though less common, the following clinical features may also occur:

• Premature whitening or graying of the hair on scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or beard
• Loss of color in mucous membranes. (The tissues that line the inside of parts like mouth)
• Loss or change in color of the retina. (The inner layer of the eye)

Vitiligo can affect any part of your body. It usually affects the sun-exposed areas of the skin first. Vitiligo often first appears between the ages of 10 and 30. It can however start at any age.

Vitiligo generally occurs in one of the following patterns:

• Focal. Depigmentation is limited to one or a few areas
• Segmental. Loss of skin color occurs only on one side of the body.
• Generalized. Pigment loss is widespread, often symmetrically.

It is however difficult to predict the natural course of the disease. In most of the cases, pigment loss spreads eventually involving most of the skin surface.

References:

1. Cecil Medicine, 23rd Ed.
2. Harrison's PRINCIPLES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, 17th Edition