The typical appearance of Vitiligo is a milky white de-pigmented spot or spots. It may vary from a single white spot to multiple spots. The shape too is a variable. In some cases generalized de-pigmentation observed all over the body. It has a tendency to start as a single spot and gradually grow in size and number. It may present with a single or several spots on limbs or abdomen or back and then spreading to other parts of the body.

Some cases showing affection of the muco-cutaneous junctions such as finger-tips, corners of the mouth, private parts, around eyes. The spread of the disorder is usually slow and progressive. Symmetrical appearance on both the sides of the body (say, on the legs, hands, etc.) is common. In rare cases one finds vitiligo spreading all over the body.

Scattered (solitary)                 Bilateral symmetrical

(Finger tips and vitiligo with grey hair, feet)

Spread of vitiligo:

The spread of vitiligo is governed by various factors such as 1. Genetic activity 2. Hormonal factors 3. Continued Stress factors 4. Exposure to chemicals, etc. Many patients may start with just a single spot and may not get more spots for many years or for throughout life time. Some patients may show rapid spread, as fast as from one spot to hundreds, in a few months time. It is not possible to predict the pace of spread. Also, some patients may show intermittent spread. It may be noted form experience that those who pace certain body areas affected such a finger tips, are at higher risk of having an aggressive spread; it is not a rule though. Some patients may present with grey hair, suggesting loss of pigment in the hair.

Associated Skin Disorders:

At times, you may find Vitiligo associated with one or more of the following conditions: ° Alopecia Areata (Loss of hair) ° Premature graying of the hair ° Lichen Planus ° Lichen sclerosus ° Psoriasis ° Halo Naevus ° Ichthyosis

Associated Systemic Disorders:

There are several systemic diseases (affecting the entire body system), which are at times associated with Vitiligo: ° Thyroid Disorders (Hypo and Hyperthyroidism) ° SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) ° Pernicious Anemia ° Addison's Disease ° Collagen Diseases ° Grave's Disease ° Diabetes Mellitus

It may be noted that the sufferers of Vitiligo need not be unduly scared of the above disease conditions, as they should not be regarded as the complications of Vitiligo in every case.

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