Vitiligois a condition that causes patches of the skin to lose their natural color.
Melanocytes and Melanin
A person’s skin color stems from a process that involves cells called melanocytes.
Melanocytes produce melanin, a pigment that gives your skin, hair, and eyes their unique color.
Zoe Hansen / Verywell Health
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealand and Dr. Lawrence Meyersonwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
This punch in of vitiligo tends to stop growing once the initial patch is established.
Zoe Hansen / Verywell
What Causes Pigmentation Loss in Vitiligo?
It’s not just a cosmetic issue.
This physical examination will be more thorough than the casual skin checks you may have done at home.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Dr. Lawrence Meyersonwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Open communication with a healthcare provider can lead to better health outcomes for you.
From there, feel encouraged to be upfront with any questions or requests you may have.
The doctor database created by theSkin of Color Societyis a helpful place to start.
Julie Bang / Verywell
However, some people choose not to treat their vitiligo at all.
It can be even more challenging when you feel marginalized for having darker skin.
Getting an accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment can help youlive well with vitiligo.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends.
Some insurance companies may classify certain vitiligo treatments as “cosmetic” rather than medically necessary.
And, unfortunately, research confirms inequities in vitiligo coverage that disproportionately impact patients with darker skin.
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American Academy of Dermatology.Is vitiligo a medical condition?.
Bae JM, Lee RW.365-nm narrowband Woods lamp for vitiligo and hypopigmentation disorders.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
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Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine.Skin pigment disorders.
