Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes patches of skin to lose their pigment, resulting in lighter or white areas. While it’s not dangerous or contagious, vitiligo can have a big emotional impact, especially when it affects visible areas of the body like the face, hands, or arms. The sooner you recognize the signs, the sooner you can seek support, treatment options, or peace of mind.
That’s where we come in! Our expert team at Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology in Alpharetta, Canton, Cumming, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lavonia, and Toccoa, Georgia, can help you navigate how to know if what you’re seeing is vitiligo and not just a random skin change.
Let’s walk through five of the most common signs to look out for.
The most recognizable symptom of vitiligo is the appearance of flat, white or light-colored patches on the skin. These areas form because the pigment-producing cells (called melanocytes) stop functioning or are destroyed.
Signs to watch out for include patches that start small and gradually grow, areas that feel no different in texture than the surrounding skin, and spots that may look more noticeable on people with medium to dark tones. These patches often show up first on sun-exposed areas like hands, feet, arms, face, or around your mouth and eyes. But they can appear anywhere on your body.
Vitiligo doesn’t just affect the skin, it can also impact the pigment in your hair. If you notice early graying or whitening of your scalp hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard, especially if you’re under 35, it could be linked to vitiligo. Here are some common areas where this shows up:
Of course, not all premature graying is due to vitiligo, but if it’s happening alongside changes in your skin, it’s worth checking in with our dermatologists.
Vitiligo doesn’t always stick to your skin’s surface. Sometimes it shows up in less obvious areas, like inside your mouth or nose, where mucous membranes are found. Signs include:
These changes are often overlooked but can be early indicators of vitiligo, especially when seen alongside other symptoms.
Additionally, vitiligo often targets areas where the skin naturally stretches or where friction occurs. That’s why it’s common to see color loss around body openings or on flexible parts of the body. We recommend checking the areas around the eyes, mouth, genitals, armpits, elbows, knees, and wrists. Also, don’t forget your belly button or fingertips. The skin in these zones may start to look uneven in tone, with distinct patches forming gradually over time.
Last but not least, one unique trait of vitiligo is that it often shows up in symmetrical patterns. This means you may notice matching patches or discoloration on both sides of your body, like both hands, both knees, or both sides of your face. This pattern is typical of:
Not all vitiligo is symmetrical, but when it is, it’s a strong clue that the condition may be present.
Noticing changes in your skin can be unsettling, but being informed is the first step toward finding answers. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have vitiligo, but it’s worth getting evaluated by our team.
If you’re ready to learn more, contact us to set up an appointment at one of our locations today!