Vitiligo (say "vi-tuh-LY-go") is a skin condition that happens when cells that make pigment are destroyed. Pigment gives skin its color.

Vitiligo causes white patches on areas of your child’s body. The hair in these places may turn white. Sometimes the white patches spread. Vitiligo affects adults and children of all skin colors. It may be more noticeable in adults and children with darker skin.

Vitiligo does not have to be treated. If it affects your child’s life, you may choose to have it treated.

Treatment includes medicines such as corticosteroids. Treatment can also include laser or light therapy. A less common treatment is removing the remaining pigment in your child’s skin (depigmentation). Special cosmetics can also be used.

Vitiligo is not contagious. You can’t catch the condition from others.

Doctors don't know what causes vitiligo. It may run in families. It may be an autoimmune problem. This means your immune system destroys your own pigment cells.

• Be safe with medicines. Give medicines exactly as directed. Contact your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
• If your child’s doctor prescribed a skin cream or ointment, use it as directed.
• If your child has light therapy, their skin will be exposed to a special light. Follow the doctor's directions on caring for your child’s skin.
• Protect your child’s skin from the sun. It is most important to protect the white patches.
  • Always put sunscreen on your child’s exposed skin. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Use it every day, even when the weather is cloudy.
  • Try to keep your child out of the sun in the middle of the day. Stay in the shade when you can.
  • If you cannot avoid the sun, use hats and clothing to protect your child's skin.
• Ask your child’s doctor about over-the-counter cosmetics if your child is bothered by how their skin looks. These include sunless tanning products and concealers.
• If your child feels anxious about their skin, find a counselor that your child likes and trusts. You can ask your child’s doctor for a referral. Encourage your child to talk openly and honestly to the counselor.