Key points
- Loss of colour in patches
- Not contagious, not an infection
- Protect white skin from the sun
- Changes are slow — patience matters
What it is
Vitiligo is a condition in which the cells that give skin its colour (melanocytes) stop working in some areas. This leaves smooth, white or lighter patches on the skin.
It is not an infection and it does not affect a person's general health. It can start at any age, and the pattern and pace of change are different in every person.
Common signs
- Milky-white patches with clear edges
- Common sites: face, hands, around the mouth and eyes, joints
- White or grey hair in an affected area
- Patches that stay the same for years, or slowly spread
Things that may be linked
- A family history of vitiligo
- Other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease
- Emotional stress
- Injury or friction to the skin (cuts, burns, tight clothing)
- Severe sunburn
Everyday care that helps
- Protect the white patches from sunburn — use sunscreen and cover up in strong sun
- Avoid friction and injury to the skin where possible
- Have your thyroid checked if your doctor advises
- Use cover cosmetics if they help you feel comfortable
- Talk openly with family; vitiligo is common and nothing to hide
When to see a doctor promptly
- Patches are spreading quickly
- New patches appear after a skin injury
- You notice tiredness, weight change or other signs of thyroid problems
- Vitiligo is affecting your mood or confidence
How we approach it at Gursagar
We take a detailed history — when the patches began, how they have changed, family history, other health conditions and emotional stress — and record the patches carefully, with photos, to follow progress.
Dr. Shah prescribes classical homoeopathic medicine chosen for you individually. Changes in vitiligo are slow, so we review regularly and set realistic expectations from the first visit.
Common questions
Is vitiligo contagious?
No, it cannot spread from person to person.
Is it linked to food?
There is no reliable evidence that particular foods cause vitiligo.
Can I consult online?
Yes. Photos of each patch in daylight, taken in the same place every month, are very useful.
Practising classical homoeopathy since 1999 · Gursagar Homoeopathic Hospital, Rajpura & Chandigarh · Full profile →
Would you like Dr. Shah to look at your case?
Consult in person at Rajpura or Chandigarh, or online from anywhere in India and abroad.
This article is for general health education and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Every person is assessed individually, and results differ from person to person. Please do not stop or change any medicine prescribed to you without speaking to your doctor. Dr. Randeep Singh Shah, D.H.M.S., AFHom (UK) · Reg. No. 2423-A.