A condition in which the cells that make skin pigment stop working, leaving milky-white patches on the skin.
Start here
What it is
A condition in which the cells that make skin pigment stop working, leaving milky-white patches on the skin.
Notice
What you may notice
Milky-white patches on skin, hair or lips.
Context
Who it can affect
It can begin at any age; white patches often start in young adults.
A conversation with the doctor
What may help
Treatment may stimulate repigmentation; response varies with type, site and duration.
Your dermatologist may discuss supervised light treatment or other options. Response varies by person and site.
Before you come
What you can do
- Protect exposed patches from sun.
- Avoid picking or rubbing injured skin.
- Ask early about new patches.
Reviewed by Dr. D. A. Satish · review date to be confirmedUnder clinical review