Q What is vitiligo?
A Vitiligo is a chronic depigmenting disorder in which the melanocytes that give skin its color are destroyed, producing sharply bordered white patches. It is not contagious, and the white patches may gradually spread without pain or itching.
Detailed Answer
Skin color is determined by the melanin pigment produced by melanocytes. In vitiligo, these melanocytes are destroyed and can no longer make pigment, resulting in milky-white patches with clearly defined borders. They can appear anywhere—the backs of the hands, face, around the mouth, genitals—and may stand out even more against sun-tanned areas. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be passed to others.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At a Korean medicine clinic, white patches are not seen as a problem of the skin surface alone, but as the result of a disrupted immune balance combined with qi and blood (nourishment and circulation) failing to reach the periphery of the skin, causing pigment to disappear. For this reason, rather than focusing on the patches themselves, we place emphasis on addressing the underlying immune imbalance and internal environment of the body together.
Related FAQs
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Q
Honestly, is it too much to hope the white patches disappear completely? Realistically, how far can I expect to recover?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
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Q
I heard that with vitiligo, other diseases like thyroid problems are more likely. Should I get tested?
#Comorbidities
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Q
Along with vitiligo I also developed alopecia areata, and the hair in the patch areas has turned white. Can these improve together too?
#Comorbidities
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Q
I heard the white patch areas are weak against sunlight. How should I care for them day to day?
#Lifestyle Management
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Q
I have patches on the backs of my hands and face, so I feel self-conscious meeting people. Is it okay to use makeup or to cover them?
#Lifestyle Management