Vitiligo cannot be cured or treated permanently. However, it can be made less conspicuous using treatment options like medications, laser therapy or surgery.

The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, but there are many ways to prevent it from developing:

• Protect yourself from sun exposure
• Moisturise your skin regularly
• Avoid all forms of stress
• Manage other autoimmune conditions

Around 10% to 20% of people with vitiligo may develop or regain their original skin colour. This is more common in those diagnosed before age 20, who have experienced a peak of the condition spreading in less than six months or have symptoms only in the facial region.

However, if you develop vitiligo symptoms after 20 years of age or have symptoms in other parts of the body, the chances of regaining your original skin colour are less.

Vitiligo is not a contagious disease, which means it does not spread from one part of the body to the other or to other people. It is an autoimmune condition, which means it develops when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys melanocytes.

If your dermatologist suspects vitiligo during the initial evaluation, they may recommend blood tests to rule out other autoimmune conditions that may be causing vitiligo. 

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the dermatologist will ask if you want the condition treated. If yes, they will suggest the most suitable treatment option. 

If you wish to get your vitiligo treated, dermatologists can help regain or restore your skin colour.

Treatment for vitiligo may help restore your skin colour, but the results are usually temporary. Most treatments last up to one year, so you will require maintenance therapy to prevent the loss of pigment. Dermatologists prescribe medications that you need to apply a few times a week.

Phototherapy or light-based therapies are the most effective treatment options for managing vitiligo when combined with other treatment options. Ask your dermatologist for more information during your consultation appointment.

Vitiligo spreads and is progressive. However, it is difficult to determine how quickly it will spread or how much pigment you will lose. People with vitiligo develop new patches throughout their lives.

Vitiligo is progressive; most people continue losing pigment over greater areas with age. Since it is an autoimmune condition, no causative factor can be removed.