You have a higher risk of developing vitiligo if you have other autoimmune conditions, such as Addison’s disease, psoriasis, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Certain chemicals used in factories and skin-lightening products can cause a loss of pigment in your skin.

You have a higher risk of having vitiligo if you have biological relatives with the condition.

Cuts, scrapes, burns or sunburn can sometimes trigger patches of vitiligo.

Your doctor will look for certain features that indicate vitiligo, such as the appearance of the patches. They may also ask you about other health conditions you have, your family history and when the patches appeared.

This painless exam involves using a special light that can distinguish vitiligo from other skin conditions. It can also reveal patches that are not yet visible in normal light.

Your doctor may take a small sample of your skin and examine it under a microscope if other tests do not provide a clear diagnosis.

Your provider may order blood tests to check for other autoimmune conditions that can occur with vitiligo.

Topical (applied to the skin) medications can restore pigment in vitiligo. Systemic (internal) medications, such as pills, can slow the progression of vitiligo that is spreading rapidly.

The excimer laser delivers painless excimer light directly to vitiligo patches to restore color. This approach, which is not widely available, targets only the patches, leaving healthy skin unexposed to UV light. Our specialists have extensive experience using this equipment to achieve the best possible results.

During phototherapy, you sit in a booth that emits UVB light, which signals your skin to produce pigment. This treatment is particularly effective for people with widespread vitiligo affecting large areas of the body. At UC Davis Health, we use state-of-the-art phototherapy equipment. Our dermatologists have specialized training in using light therapy for vitiligo.

We may recommend miniature punch grafting if vitiligo does not respond to medications or light therapy. Your dermatologist uses a small tool to remove tiny pieces of healthy tissue from another part of your body. Then, they carefully transplant the tissue onto the vitiligo patches. Over time, the pigmented cells spread and cover the area.

Depigmentation involves applying a special cream that removes pigment from your skin. Over several months, the skin on the rest of your body begins to match the vitiligo patches. This change in your skin color is permanent, so our specialists carefully discuss whether this treatment is right for you.

UV rays darken your pigmented skin and make vitiligo patches more obvious. Vitiligo patches are also more susceptible to sun damage and sunburn which can cause the spots to spread.

You can’t avoid every accident or injury to your skin. But you can help prevent new patches from developing if you wear protective gloves when working with your hands. Also take extra care when cooking to avoid burns.