7 Common Symptoms of Vitiligo (2025)

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disorder affecting about 1 in 100 people. It is characterized by a loss of pigment (coloring) in skin patches that appear white. Melanin is the natural pigment that gives skin its color and protects it from damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. In vitiligo, the body’s immune system destroys the cells that make melanin, resulting in pale skin patches that are more prone to sun damage.

In general, vitiligo is not harmful but may contribute to hearing loss and is associated with developing other autoimmune conditions.

1. Depigmented Patches of Skin

The most noticeable sign of vitiligo is depigmentation of the skin. Vitiligo is anautoimmune disorderthat occurs when the body’s immune system attacks cells called melanocytes in the skin. These cells make the pigmentmelanin, which imparts pigment to the skin.

Due to the lack of melanin, the affected areas of the skin lose pigmentation, resulting in pale or white patches. While vitiligo can affect people of any skin tone, it is often more noticeable in those with naturally dark skin tones. The patches may occur on one or both sides of the body. Common locations are on the hands, arms, legs, and face.

2. Progressive Nature

The two main types of vitiligo are based on the pattern of skin involved and its progression.

Segmental vitiligo (unilateral vitiligo) affects the skin in an area on one side of the body. In general, this type of vitiligo stabilizes over a year or less and does not tend to progress to involve more skin patches.

Non-segmental vitiligo (generalized vitiligo) affects the skin on both sides of the body, often in a symmetrical pattern. The affected areas may include the skin around the mouth, hands, arms, legs, and face. This type of vitiligo can progress from a small patch to a larger patch or new patches in other areas. A rare subtype of non-segmental vitiligo is known as universal vitiligo, in which depigmentation occurs in most of the body’s skin and hair.

3. Loss of Hair Color

Because hair also contains melanin, vitiligo can cause hair loss and white patches. Hair loss can happen anywhere on the body where hair grows, including the scalp and face.

4. Increased Sensitivity to Sunlight

Melanin is responsible for the skin’s pigment but also protects it from damaging UV rays. Because vitiligo affects melanin production, skin is more sensitive to UV rays from sunlight. This can cause sunburn.

It’s important to protect the skin using clothing, shade, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to prevent damage to the skin. Avoid tanning, as well.

5. Itching, Burning, or Redness

When vitiligo is active, causing loss of depigmentation and the development or spread of patches, the skin can become itchy. However, in general, the patches do not cause itchiness or discomfort.

The skin patches do increase the sensitivity of depigmented skin tosun damage, so people can experience sunburn more easily. Sunburn causes redness of the affected skin. Sunburned skin may feel warm, uncomfortable, or itchy and may develop blisters and/or peel.

6. Psychological Effects

Vitiligo can affect a person’s emotional well-being, leading to the following effects:

• Depression and anxiety
• Low self-esteem and self-consciousness
• Social isolation
  

7. Hearing Loss

Melanocytes are present in the skin and other body parts, including the inner ear. In rare cases, vitiligo affects the melanocytes in the ears, leading to hearing loss. An estimated 12%–38% of people with vitiligo experience diminished hearing, though some people are only aware of this when screened.

Common Signs and Symptoms in Children

The signs of vitiligo in children are the same as in adults, including:

• White patches on the skin
• Loss of color in hair on the scalp or body
• Emotional and psychological symptoms, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression
  

It is important to note that emotional and psychological symptoms may be more pronounced in children and adolescents.

Where Do Symptoms of Vitiligo Appear?

Vitiligo appears on the skin as patches. These patches can occur anywhere on the body, but commonly affected areas include:

• Hands
• Face, especially around the lips
• Scalp
• Feet
• Arms
• Areas where the bone is close to the skin, such as elbows and knees
  

Summary

Vitiligo is a fairly common skin condition characterized by pale or white patches. It's' an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body's immune system attacks pigment-producing cells in the skin. The white patches often appear on the face, hands, arms, and feet and cause white hair. Due to the loss of protective pigment, the affected areas are more sensitive to the effects of UV light and can cause sunburn.

While vitiligo is not generally physically harmful, a range of psychological and emotional effects can occur, particularly at younger ages. Furthermore, having vitiligo may increase your risk of other autoimmune conditions. The condition can also lead to hearing loss.