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.

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.