What are the distinct characteristics of vitiligo. How does vitiligo differ from other skin conditions. What treatment options are available for managing vitiligo symptoms. Can vitiligo be prevented or its progression slowed down.

What is Vitiligo and How Does it Affect the Skin?

Vitiligo is a non-contagious skin condition characterized by the loss of pigmentation in certain areas of the body. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin (skin pigment), are destroyed. This results in patches of skin losing their color and turning white.

The prevalence of vitiligo in the United States ranges from 0.76% to 1.11% among adults, according to a 2020 survey. Globally, the prevalence is estimated to be between 0.5% and 2% of the population.

Common Areas Affected by Vitiligo

• Sun-exposed areas (hands, feet, arms, face)
• Inside the mouth and other mucous membranes
• Nostrils
• Genitals
• Back of the eyes
• Within the hearing system of the ear

Is vitiligo limited to the skin? No, it can also affect hair follicles, causing premature graying or whitening of hair, eyebrows, facial hair, and eyelashes.

Types of Vitiligo: Understanding the Different Patterns

Vitiligo manifests in various patterns, each with distinct characteristics. A 2020 review identified several types of vitiligo:

1. Universal vitiligo: Affects most of the skin’s surface
2. Segmental vitiligo: White patches appear on one side of the body, often progressing for about a year before stopping
3. Generalized vitiligo: The most common type, characterized by widespread symmetrical patches on both sides of the body
4. Focal vitiligo: Smaller patches occurring in only a few areas of the body
5. Acrofacial vitiligo: Primarily affects the face, hands, and sometimes feet

Do different types of vitiligo require different treatments? While the underlying mechanism is similar, the approach to treatment may vary depending on the extent and location of the affected areas.

Symptoms and Visual Characteristics of Vitiligo

The primary symptom of vitiligo is the appearance of white patches on the skin. These patches can vary in size and shape, and may gradually expand over time. Other symptoms include:

• Premature graying or whitening of hair
• Loss of pigment in mucous membranes
• Changes in eye color (rare)

A 2016 study revealed that 75% of people with vitiligo experience loss of pigment on their hands and face. Body folds, such as the skin under the arms and around the groin, are also commonly affected areas.

Unraveling the Causes and Risk Factors of Vitiligo

The exact cause of vitiligo remains unknown, but research suggests it may be an autoimmune disorder. In this scenario, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys melanocytes. While vitiligo doesn’t appear to be directly inherited, certain factors may increase one’s risk:

• Family history of vitiligo or other autoimmune conditions
• Presence of specific genes associated with vitiligo (e.g., NLRP1 and PTPN22)
• Stress or skin trauma
• Exposure to certain chemicals or environmental factors

Can environmental factors trigger vitiligo? Some studies suggest that exposure to certain chemicals, severe sunburn, or physical trauma to the skin may trigger the onset of vitiligo in susceptible individuals.

Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation of Vitiligo

Diagnosing vitiligo typically involves a thorough physical examination and medical history review. A dermatologist may use the following methods to confirm the diagnosis:

• Wood’s lamp examination: A special ultraviolet light is used to highlight areas of depigmentation
• Skin biopsy: A small sample of affected skin is examined under a microscope
• Blood tests: To check for other autoimmune conditions often associated with vitiligo

Is a skin biopsy always necessary for diagnosing vitiligo? Not always. In many cases, a dermatologist can diagnose vitiligo through visual examination and patient history. Skin biopsies are typically reserved for ambiguous cases or to rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options and Management Strategies for Vitiligo

While there is no cure for vitiligo, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and potentially restore skin color:

1. Topical corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation and potentially slow the spread of vitiligo
2. Topical calcineurin inhibitors: Immunosuppressants that may help restore skin color
3. Phototherapy: Controlled exposure to UV light to stimulate melanin production
4. Excimer laser: Targeted light therapy for small areas of vitiligo
5. Skin grafting: Transplanting small sections of pigmented skin to affected areas
6. Depigmentation: For extensive vitiligo, removing pigment from unaffected areas to create a uniform appearance

Are all treatments equally effective for everyone with vitiligo? The effectiveness of treatments can vary greatly between individuals. Factors such as the extent of vitiligo, its location, and how long it has been present can all influence treatment outcomes.

Living with Vitiligo: Psychological Impact and Coping Strategies

Vitiligo can have a significant psychological impact on those affected. The visible nature of the condition may lead to:

• Decreased self-esteem
• Social anxiety
• Depression
• Feelings of stigmatization

Coping strategies and support systems play a crucial role in managing the emotional aspects of vitiligo:

1. Joining support groups
2. Seeking counseling or therapy
3. Educating oneself and others about the condition
4. Using cosmetic camouflage techniques
5. Practicing self-acceptance and body positivity

How can individuals with vitiligo build resilience and self-confidence? Developing a strong support network, focusing on personal strengths, and engaging in activities that promote self-expression can help boost self-esteem and resilience.

Research and Future Directions in Vitiligo Treatment

Ongoing research into vitiligo is paving the way for new and potentially more effective treatments. Some promising areas of study include:

• JAK inhibitors: A class of drugs that may help halt the autoimmune response in vitiligo
• Gene therapy: Targeting specific genes associated with vitiligo
• Combination therapies: Exploring synergistic effects of multiple treatment modalities
• Stem cell therapies: Investigating the potential of stem cells to regenerate melanocytes

What role does personalized medicine play in vitiligo treatment? As our understanding of the genetic and immunological factors underlying vitiligo improves, treatments may become more tailored to individual patients, potentially leading to better outcomes.

Vitiligo remains a complex and challenging condition, but ongoing research and evolving treatment options offer hope for improved management and quality of life for those affected. By raising awareness, fostering understanding, and supporting continued research, we can work towards better outcomes for individuals living with vitiligo.

What Does Vitiligo Look Like? Vitiligo Pictures and More

What Does Vitiligo Look Like? Vitiligo Pictures and More

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By Erica Roth on February 23, 2023

Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes areas of the skin to lose color or pigmentation. It’s not contagious and can occur on any part of the body.

Vitiligo is a skin condition that occurs when the cells that are responsible for your skin color are destroyed. These cells, called melanocytes, no longer produce skin pigment, or melanin, causing areas of your skin to lose color or turn white.

Between 0.76 percent and 1.11 percent of adults in the United States have been diagnosed with vitiligo, according to a 2020 survey. The global prevalence is between 0.5 percent and 2 percent.

Areas of lost pigment can develop anywhere on your body, including:

• sun-exposed areas, like the hands, feet, arms, and face
• inside the mouth or other mucus membranes
• nostrils
• genitals
• back of the eye
• within the hearing system of the ear

Your hair may also turn gray or white if the areas involved have hair.

Even though vitiligo can affect many different parts of the body, it’s not contagious. A person with vitiligo can’t pass it on to someone else.

Share on PinterestVitiligo affecting the skin of the face, neck, chest, and hands. Nikola Ilic/Getty ImagesShare on PinterestVitiligo affecting the skin of the face, neck, chest, arms, and hands. FG Trade/Getty ImagesShare on PinterestVitiligo affecting the skin around the eyes. Jessica Keaveny/Getty ImagesShare on PinterestVitiligo affecting the skin of both of the arms and legs. olenagorbenko/Getty ImagesShare on PinterestVitiligo affecting the skin of the eyes, mouth and chin FG Trade/Getty ImagesShare on PinterestVitiligo affecting the skin of the face, neck, chest, and hands. Nikola Ilic/Getty Images

Vitiligo can cause several symptoms, including:

• white patches on the skin
• premature graying or whitening of the hair, eyebrows, facial hair, or eyelashes
• loss of pigment in the mucous membranes, including the inner lining of the nose and lips

One 2016 study showed that 75 percent of people with vitiligo have loss of pigment on the hands and face. Other common areas are in body folds, like the skin under your arms and around your groin.

However, the specific areas that are affected may vary depending on the type of vitiligo. According to a 2020 review, types of vitiligo include:

• Universal vitiligo. This type of vitiligo affects most of the surfaces of the skin.
• Segmental vitiligo. White patches appear on one side of the body. Many times it continues for a year or so, then stops. It also progresses slower than generalized vitiligo.
• Generalized vitiligo. Widespread white patches appear symmetrically on both sides of the body. This is the most common pattern and can affect pigment cells anywhere on the body. If often starts and stops many times over the course of a person’s lifetime.
• Focal vitiligo. Patches tend to be smaller and occur in only a few areas of the body.
• Acrofacial vitiligo. This form of vitiligo primarily affects the face, hands, and sometimes feet.

It’s unknown exactly what causes vitiligo. The condition doesn’t appear to be inherited, and many people with vitiligo don’t have a family history of the disorder. However, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases suggests that having a family history of vitiligo or other autoimmune conditions could increase your risk.

According to a 2018 review, another risk factor may be having genes associated with vitiligo, including NLRP1 and PTPN22.

Most researchers believe that vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder because your body is attacking your own cells. A 2016 study found that about 20 percent of people with vitiligo also have one other autoimmune disorder.

Many autoimmune diseases may be associated with vitiligo, including:

• thyroiditis, caused by an improperly functioning thyroid
• lupus
• psoriasis
• alopecia areata, or baldness
• type 1 diabetes
• pernicious anemia, an inability to absorb vitamin B12
• Addison’s disease
• rheumatoid arthritis
• scleroderma, a disorder of the connective tissue of the body

Some experts also report vitiligo appearing after incidents of:

• severe sunburns or cuts
• exposure to toxins and chemicals
• high levels of stress

Many times, vitiligo has few physical effects on the body. The most serious complications are in the ears and eyes, but these aren’t common.

The primary physical effect is that the loss of pigment increases your risk of sunburn. You can protect your skin by applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, and wearing sun protective clothing.

Psychological effects

Research shows that vitiligo can cause significant psychological effects. According to a 2016 review, over 50 percent of people with vitiligo reported negative effects on their relationships. Some people reported thinking about their condition all day, especially due to its unpredictability.

They also reported:

• avoiding physical activities
• withdrawing from events
• feeling like their condition is a disfigurement
• depression
• anxiety
• emotional burden

If you have vitiligo and are feeling any of these negative effects, talk with your doctor or someone who cares about you. It’s also important to learn as much as you can about the disorder. This can help alleviate stress you may have about your condition or treatment options.

Talk with your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• white patches or loss of pigmentation in the skin
• premature graying or whitening of the hair on the scalp, face, eyelashes, or eyebrows
• loss of color in the inner lining of the nose or mouth

Vitiligo doesn’t have a cure, but early treatment can help slow discoloration and restore pigmentation to any affected areas of the skin.

Because vitiligo is often associated with other conditions, treatment can also help identify and address any underlying health issues.

During your visit, your doctor will perform a physical exam, ask about your medical history, and conduct lab tests.

Be sure to report anything that could be a contributing factor, like recent sunburns, premature graying of your hair, or any autoimmune diseases you may have. Also let your doctor know if anyone else in your family has vitiligo or other skin diseases.

Others questions your doctor may ask are:

• Where on your body did it first start?
• Does anyone in your family have vitiligo?
• Does anyone in your family have an autoimmune disorder?
• Have you tried any treatments already?
• Are any areas getting better or worse?

Your doctor may also use an ultraviolet lamp to look for patches of vitiligo. The lamp, also known as a Wood’s lamp, helps your doctor look for differences between vitiligo and other skin conditions.

At times your doctor may want to take a sample of skin, known as a biopsy. A lab will look at these samples. Skin biopsies can show if you still have pigment-producing cells in that area of your body.

Blood tests can help diagnose other problems that may go along with vitiligo, such as thyroid conditions, type 1 diabetes, or anemia.

Research shows that people with vitiligo tend to experience emotional stress and low self-esteem. One 2015 study also found that parents of children with vitiligo report lower quality of life.

However, vitiligo isn’t contagious, and it typically doesn’t cause any negative physical effects. People with vitiligo can live healthy, active lives.

It is important to find a therapist who understands this skin condition and its impact on mental health. A 2018 review of early, but limited, studies suggests that individual cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help with:

• maintaining self-esteem
• preventing depression
• improving overall quality of life

Along with your family and friends, a vitiligo support group is a great source of support. These groups give members the opportunity to express themselves and meet others with the same condition.

You can also look at the #vitiligo hashtag on social media for stories of people embracing their appearance. One example is fashion model and activist Winnie Harlow, who calls herself a “vitiligo spokesmodel.”

Research on vitiligo has increased in the past years. Newer technology allows for advances in genetic research so that we can understand how vitiligo works.

Understanding how vitiligo is triggered and how its process interacts with other organ systems can help researchers develop new treatments.

Other studies on vitiligo are looking at how trauma or stress trigger vitiligo, how genetics affects vitiligo, and how the chemical signals of the immune system play a role.

You can also see the latest clinical trials over at ClinicalTrials.gov.

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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• Gandhi K, et al. (2021). Prevalence of vitiligo among adults in the United States.
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• Gill L, et al. (2016). Comorbid autoimmune diseases in patients with vitiligo: A cross-sectional study.
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• Grimes PE, et al. (2017). Depigmentation therapies for vitiligo.
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• Harris JE, et al. (2020). 17755 global survey investigating the prevalence of vitiligo and vitiligo signs among adults in Europe, Japan, and the United States.
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• Jan NA, et al. (2021). Vitiligo.
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• Jha A, et al. (2016). Cognitive behavior therapy for psychosocial stress in vitiligo.
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• Ju HJ, et al. (2021). Surgical interventions for patients with vitiligo: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
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• Lee H, et al. (2015). Prevalence of vitiligo and associated comorbidities in Korea.
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• Nguyen CM, et al. (2016). The psychosocial impact of acne, vitiligo, and psoriasis: A review.
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• Rathod DG, et al. (2021). Phototherapy.
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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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By Erica Roth on February 23, 2023

• Treatment Options for Vitiligo

• FDA Approves First At-Home Treatment for Skin Repigmentation in People With Common Type of Vitiligo

• Are Vitiligo and Psoriasis Related?

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Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments for Penile Vitiligo

Vitiligo Penis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments for Penile Vitiligo

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By James Roland on December 20, 2018

Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes spots or patches of skin to lose melanin. Melanin helps to give your skin and hair color, so when these areas lose it, they become very light in color.

Vitiligo can occur anywhere on your body, including your penis. It often first appears on the face, back of the hand, and neck. But it’s hard to predict which body parts might eventually be affected or how large the spots might become.

Read on to learn more about vitiligo on your penis, including what causes it and available treatment options.

The main symptoms of vitiligo are patches of depigmented skin. Vitiligo of the penis usually appears on the foreskin and shaft, rather than the glans or head of the penis.

If you have vitiligo affecting your penis, you may eventually notice symptoms in other parts of your body, if you haven’t already.

You might also notice symptoms not related to your skin, such as:

• gray or white hair
• loss of color in your mucus membranes, such as the linings of your mouth and nose
• vision changes, which arise from pigment loss in the inner lining of your eyeball

There are a few subtypes of vitiligo, depending on how widespread your symptoms are:

• Localized vitiligo refers to vitiligo that occurs in one or two areas.
• Generalized vitiligo refers to vitiligo that occurs across your body.
• Segmental vitiligo is vitiligo that only affects one side of your body.

Vitiligo can develop at any age, though it tends to show up before the age of 20.

Keep in mind that penile vitiligo isn’t contagious, nor does it have any effect on the function or health of your penis.

If you experience symptoms such as pain, difficulty urinating, erectile dysfunction, or anything else unusual, see a urologist. They’re likely the result of another condition.

Experts aren’t sure why some people stop producing melanin in certain areas. But some believe it may be an autoimmune condition.

Autoimmune conditions occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. If you have another autoimmune condition, such as lupus or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, you might have a higher risk of developing vitiligo.

You may also be more likely to develop it if you have a family history of vitiligo.

Vitiligo is usually diagnosed during a thorough physical exam. If it’s affecting your penis, your doctor will likely examine the rest of your body as well. They might also shine an ultraviolet light on the area to help confirm that it’s vitiligo.

Depending on your symptoms, they may also take a small skin sample from your penis to examine under a microscope. This is known as a biopsy. It’ll help them rule out a condition called balanitis xerotica obliterans, an inflammatory skin condition. It starts out as a red, itchy sore. But over time, the affected skin can turn white.

Make sure to tell your doctor if others in your family have vitiligo or autoimmune conditions.

The appearance of penis vitiligo might make you uncomfortable, but the condition itself is harmless. While it may take a new sexual partner a little time to get used to it, you both may get to the point where the appearance of penile vitiligo no longer even registers.

Learning to be comfortable with your body and all of its unique traits can go a long way toward helping you have peace of mind and self-confidence.

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Bulbul Baskan E, et al. (2006). Vitiligo and ocular findings: a study on possible associations.
  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16898906
• Cieścińska C, et al. (2016). Prevalence of impaired hearing and vision in patients with vitiligo.
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• Frequently asked questions. (2018).
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• Lichen sclerosus in males. (2010).
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• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Vitiligo.
  mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitiligo/symptoms-causes/syc-20355912
• My vitiligo is starting to get in the way of sex life — help! (2018).
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• Souza Leite RM, et al. (2007). Two therapeutic challenges: periocular and genital vitiligo in children successfully treated with pimecrolimus cream.
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• Vitiligo. (2018).
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• Vitiligo. (2018).
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By James Roland on December 20, 2018

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Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disease of the mucous membranes and skin, characterized by the appearance of rounded depigmented spots. The incidence of vitiligo is 0.5-2% worldwide.

Scientists identify a number of causes that cause this disease: autoimmune aggression, internal cell defect, disorders in antioxidant systems, nervous disorders and genetic predisposition (probability of about 30%).

Most often, vitiligo appears on the face, neck, scalp, lateral surfaces of the body, back of the hands. Vitiligo often occurs around natural openings (lips, genitals, gums). Hair in vitiligo lesions also lose their color. Vitiligo can be similar to other skin diseases, such as scleroderma, pityriasis versicolor, tuberous sclerosis, non-pigmented melanoma, halonevus, etc. This can only be determined at a face-to-face appointment with a doctor.

What to do if the doctor has diagnosed vitiligo, and living and working conditions dictate high requirements for appearance? Recovery of lost pigment is a long process (minimum 2 months with adherence to treatment), but feasible (failures are observed in only approximately 5% of cases).

In the fall of 2013, the leading experts of the European Dermatological Forum analyzed the results of national studies based on the principles of evidence-based medicine, the main criteria of which are safety and efficacy, and published new recommendations for the treatment of patients with vitiligo.

Modern medicine offers a range of pharmacological agents and physiotherapeutic procedures for the treatment of vitiligo, often used together. Topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, immunosuppressants, vitamin D analogs, antioxidants help manage progressive pigment loss and restore pigmentation.

author of the publication: Betekhtin M.S., dermatovenereologist, candidate of medical sciences

To make an appointment with a specialist, call the single contact center in Moscow +7 (495) 775 75 66, use the online appointment service to see a doctor, or contact the clinic’s receptionist.

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Can vitiligo be cured? – symptoms, treatment, diagnostics

Vitiligo is not just the appearance of a defect on the skin, but a signal from the body about a violation in it. Some pathological processes progress latently, and do not show visible symptoms. It is possible to get rid of the skin manifestation of vitiligo only after exposure to the main cause of its development. Specialists of the Medical Center “Be Healthy” recommend to abandon the treatment of vitiligo at home. This action can lead to complications. It is advisable to contact experienced doctors, get advice and competent appointments.

Vitiligo – spots on the skin

Vitiligo is a dermatological disease characterized by the destruction of melanin in a limited area of ​​the skin. As a result, this segment becomes lighter than the rest of the epithelium. Pathology is most often observed between the ages of 10 and 30 years. Without the assistance of an experienced specialist, it is impossible to establish how to cure vitiligo.

Symptoms of vitiligo

The main manifestation of vitiligo is the formation on the skin of areas with weakened pigmentation. Their borders are clearly defined, the surface is light beige or white. The defect is formed on the face, arms, legs, in the groin area.

Against the background of vitiligo, psoriasis, baldness, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, dermatitis and other aggravating processes often develop.

On the Internet you can find many photos of vitiligo, but only an experienced doctor establishes that the patient who applied has this disease, and not similar disorders.

Causes of vitiligo

Factors that predispose to the development of this disease:

• Pathologies of the digestive tract.
• Violation of tissue trophism.
• Diseases of the kidneys.
• Failure in the state of the endocrine system, autoimmune processes.
• Regular skin exposure to chemicals.

Establishing the cause of vitiligo is an important part of providing qualified medical care. The Bud Zdorov clinic is ready to provide a full examination. The diagnostic department is equipped with everything necessary, and the qualifications of practicing doctors make it possible to identify even rare types of disorders.

Stages of vitiligo

Like other disorders, vitiligo disease has several stages of development:

• Initial. There is a primary weakening of the pigmentation of the epithelium. A single spot is formed on the skin.
• Progressive. From the moment of the first changes in skin color to the formation of a clear contrast in the shade of its areas, about 3 months pass. In 80% of cases, the disease has a slow type of development, in 20% there is a fulminant form of vitiligo.
• Stationary. A change in skin pigmentation is observed within 1 spot, new areas of epithelium lightening do not appear. The state is characterized by stability.
• Repigmentation stage. The stain, which was previously clarified, restores the natural shade. The area does not stand out from the rest of the skin. The stage of repigmentation is rarely observed. Basically, when vitiligo is caused by medication, undergone cosmetic procedures.

The earlier a violation is detected, the more chances to get rid of the existing defect and restore the natural skin tone with minimal time. To do this, you should make an appointment with the doctors of the Bud Zdorov Medical Center, and not undergo treatment for vitiligo with folk remedies.

Why is vitiligo dangerous?

The direct skin manifestation of the pathology is not dangerous: it is nothing more than a change in the shade of the epithelium. But since the main disorder, being unidentified, continues to remain in the body, development is possible:

• Diabetes mellitus.
• Characteristic goiter over the thyroid gland.
• Deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body.
• Hormonal imbalance.
• Sexual health disorders.

Vitiligo adversely affects the psycho-emotional state. The patient has problems with self-esteem, a tendency to isolation, and irritability often develops into neuroses.

Is vitiligo transmitted?

Doctors have long established what vitiligo is and how this feature is transmitted. Officially proven: the violation is not of infectious origin, it can be inherited from close relatives. The disease is transmitted within the same family through a set of appropriate genes. Already after birth, every child whose relatives suffer from vitiligo has a high predisposition to the development of this pathology. Upon contact with a person who has a characteristic change in pigmentation on the skin, the disease will not be transmitted.

How and how to treat vitiligo?

Elimination of the disease requires a competent and comprehensive approach. Doctors of the Medical Center “Be Healthy” are ready to provide assistance aimed at restoring the physical and psychological state.

Treatment of vitiligo begins with finding out the root cause of its development. Therefore, the patient is prescribed an examination. Diagnosis involves:

• Biochemical, clinical blood test (including the determination of the level of hormones, glucose, liver enzymes).
• Ultrasound of the organ in which the doctor suspects a disorder. In various clinical cases, the thyroid gland, kidneys, abdominal cavity, and pelvic regions are examined.
• Scraping from the surface of the depigmented area of ​​the skin.

Other methods of diagnosing the patient’s condition depend on the characteristics of the clinical case. To obtain more information about the pathology that has arisen, the doctor may prescribe an MRI, CT scan, X-ray and histological examination.

The Bud Zdorov Medical Center uses high-precision, safe equipment of popular brands. Each applied patient will be able to undergo a full examination, based on the results of which, doctors will make a reliable diagnosis and make the necessary treatment.

To eliminate vitiligo, the following groups of drugs are used:

• Corticosteroids (hormones of the adrenal cortex).
• Vitamins.
• Photosensitizers.

In addition to medicines, hardware cosmetology techniques are used to eliminate vitiligo. Demanded procedures are laser exposure, dermabrasion, brightening resurfacing and peeling. These methods help patients of different ages to get rid of the manifestations of uneven distribution of melanin.