Vitiligo is caused by the lack of a pigment called melanin in the skin.
Melanin is produced by skin cells called melanocytes, and it gives your skin its
colour.
In segmental vitiligo (also known as unilateral or localised vitiligo), the white patches only affect one area of your body.
Vitiligo often starts as a pale patch of skin that gradually turns completely white. The centre of a patch may be white, with pale skin around it. If there are blood vessels under the skin, the patch may be slightly pink, rather than white.
Loss of skin color occurs on only one side of your body.
Segmental vitiligo is less common than non-segmental vitiligo, although it's more common in children. It usually starts earlier and affects three in 10 children with vitiligo.
Segmental vitiligo, the symptoms often appear on both sides of your body as symmetrical white patches. Symmetrical patches can appear on the:
In segmental vitiligo (also known as unilateral or localised vitiligo), the white patches only affect one area of your body.
Vitiligo often starts as a pale patch of skin that gradually turns completely white. The centre of a patch may be white, with pale skin around it. If there are blood vessels under the skin, the patch may be slightly pink, rather than white.
Loss of skin color occurs on only one side of your body.
Segmental vitiligo is less common than non-segmental vitiligo, although it's more common in children. It usually starts earlier and affects three in 10 children with vitiligo.
Segmental vitiligo, the symptoms often appear on both sides of your body as symmetrical white patches. Symmetrical patches can appear on the:
- backs of your hands
- arms
- skin around body openings, such as the eyes
- knees
- elbows
- feet
Learn About What Are Treatment for Segmental Vitiligo
