What's vitiligo?

White spots or patches on the skin. This is caused by a lack of pigment cells, responsible for the production of melanin - the substance that gives skin its colour and which offers some protection against the sun.

• Vitiligo affects over half a million people in the UK, of all races and ages.
• The cause is not yet fully understood.
• Vitiligo can affect any part of the body.

Treatments

• Steroid creams and light treatment are available that can stimulate the pigment to return. Some people may find this effective, but there are no guarantees.
• People with vitiligo should take extra care before going out in the sun, and always cover the affected areas with a sun block.
• Special camouflage cosmetics are particularly effective in cases where the condition affects a visible area of the body such as the hands or face.

Updated: 08/09/2009