What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a an autoimmune condition that causes skin depigmentation. It takes the form of skin white spots with a sharp margin and a milk white color. The normal texture and sensation of the skin are preserved. No scaling occurs.

What is leucoderma?

Leucoderma is just another name for vitiligo: "leuco" means white and "derma" refers to the skin (Greek root).

What is the cause of Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is the result of the damage or death of the skin’s melanocytes. There are different theories about the cause of vitiligo:

The body’s immune system may destroy melanocytes. Pigment may be destroyed as the body responds to a substance it perceives as foreign (the most accepted theory).

There is genetic defect that makes the melanocytes susceptible to injury.

Abnormally functioning nerve cells may produce toxic substances that injure melanocytes.

Melanocytes self-destruction. While pigment is forming, toxic byproducts could be produced injuring and destroying melanocytes.

Researchers believe that a combination of these theories may provide the best explanation.

Can Vitiligo be associated to other conditions?

Yes, in a small number of people it can be associated to other autoimmune disorders (Click here for more information about Vitiligo and other conditions), however most vitiligo patients are in good health.

Can stress trigger or worsen Vitiligo?

Yes, stress can both trigger and worsen Vitiligo. Please click here to learn more about the relation between Vitiligo and stress. To learn about stress management click here.

How is Vitiligo diagnosis made?

The diagnosis of vitiligo is usually straightforward. To learn more details about diagnosis of Vitiligo click here.

I have a difficult case of Vitiligo, how can I get the most out of Novitil^®?

A combined approach may be recommended in your case. To learn more about a combined treatment of Vitiligo please click here.