What is vitiligo and what causes it?

Vitiligo is due to a lack of colour (pigment) in the affected areas of skin. Vitiligo does not make you feel ill. However, the appearance of vitiligo can be distressing. This is particularly so for darker-skinned people where white patches are more noticeable.

Areas of skin with patches of vitiligo have no or very few melanocytes. The melanocytes are either damaged or destroyed in the body. Therefore, melanin cannot be made and the colour of the skin is lost. It is not known why the melanocytes go from affected areas of skin. They may be destroyed by the immune system or self-destruct for reasons not yet known. It is thought to be an autoimmune condition. This means that your own immune system (which normally protects your body from infections) causes damage. In the case of vitiligo it destroys the cells in your skin that make melanin.

About 1 in 100 people develop vitiligo. Men and women are equally affected. It can develop at any age. However, it begins before the age of 20 years in about half of cases. There is some genetic factors involved and vitiligo may run in the family. Nearly 1 in 3 affected people have some other family member who is also affected. Vitiligo is not infectious and you cannot catch it from affected people. It is not more common in any racial or ethnic groups. It is more obvious in people with darker skin.

Narrowband Therapy for Vitiligo

For those seeking an effective home treatment against vitiligo, our range of domestic Narrowband UVB light therapy units are an ideal solution. We understand that for many who suffer from vitiligo, attending regular treatment sessions can be costly and inconvenient, which is why we have brought the market-leading technology to you.

Whilst UVB light therapy is one of the most popular forms of treatment for vitiligo, it is important to note that it cannot cure the condition. This type of vitiligo treatment at home must be performed frequently, between 2-3 times a week to maintain results, and caution must be taken as excessive use can come with some risks such as burning and premature ageing of the skin.

***Please note*** – we strongly advise that you keep your GP or Dermatologist aware of any therapy regime and always seek their advice on any treatment of your condition.