Vitiligo causes white patches to appear on the skin, nearly anywhere, but are more common in areas exposed to the sun.
Common areas affected include:
- Armpits and groin
- Around the mouth
- Eyelids
- Nostrils
- Navel
The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which your immune system may destroy the melanocytes in the skin. These melanocytes are what make the melanin pigment in your skin.
There is no way to tell if vitiligo will spread, in some the white patches remain in one area, whereas others will experience rapid spreading.
Dr. Daoud will discuss with you the best treatment based on the number of white patches, how widespread the patches are, and what works best for you as the patient.