Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a persistent or chronic condition in which areas of skin lose their normal pigment (“melanin”) and become very pale or pink. It is a common condition which affects about 1% of the world’s population.
Further information about the symptoms, causes and treatment can be found here:
Vitiligo patient information leaflet – British Association of Dermatologists (BAD)
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is usually easily made by your GP, however, if there is any doubt about the diagnosis, your GP may ask for advice from a skin specialist (‘dermatologist’).
Your GP may ask you to take photographs that they can then attach to their letter to the dermatologists.
Once the diagnosis of vitiligo has been made, your doctor may take a blood sample to check for thyroid disease and other conditions linked with Vitiligo. There are no specific blood test to confirm the diagnosis of Vitiligo itself.
Treatment
The white patches caused by vitiligo are usually permanent.
Although treatment options are available to reduce the appearance of vitiligo, many of these treatments are regarded as cosmetic and therefore they are not routinely funded under the NHS.
Further information about the condition and treatment of Vitiligo can be found here:
Vitiligo patient information leaflet – British Association of Dermatologists (BAD)
Waiting for a specialist opinion
If you have been referred for a specialist opinion your details will be reviewed, and it may be recommended that you are seen by a hospital clinician. Information to support you in choosing your preferred hospital, including waiting times can be found below.
How long will I wait?
If a hospital assessment and/or treatment is clinically recommended you will be referred for to a specialist. Click below to find out more about waiting times for routine hospital assessment and/or treatment.
What support is available?
Support for managing vitiligo
Support groups can provide help and advice and may be able to put you in contact with other people with vitiligo.