Mitchell J. Mandel, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, founder · All offices
Vitiligo
Medically reviewed by Mitchell J. Mandel, M.D., F.A.A.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist. Last reviewed .
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks the cells that give skin its color. This causes white or lighter patches that can appear anywhere, including the face, hands, around the mouth and eyes, and in the hair.
Vitiligo is not contagious. Affected skin burns more easily, and vitiligo can be associated with other autoimmune conditions. Treatment may slow progression and restore some color, but responses vary.
Signs and symptoms
- Patches of skin that are lighter than your natural color
- Patches that are often symmetrical on both sides of the body
- White or gray hair on the scalp, eyebrows, lashes or beard
- Patches that can grow or spread over time
How we treat it
- Prescription creams: including ruxolitinib cream, which is FDA-approved for nonsegmental vitiligo in patients age 12 and older, as well as steroid and non-steroid creams
- Narrowband UVB light therapy: at our Upper East Side and Greenvale offices
- Oral medicines for vitiligo that is spreading quickly
- Sun protection for patches that burn easily
Where it is offered
Offered at all of our offices.
Vitiligo Q&A
Can color come back?
Many people regain color with treatment, especially on the face. Hands and feet tend to respond more slowly.
How long does treatment take?
It often takes several months to see color return. Consistent treatment gives the best chance of results.
Is vitiligo linked to other conditions?
People with vitiligo have a higher chance of some other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease. Your provider may suggest blood tests.
Who you can see
Dustin Marks, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Upper East Side
Emily Tongdee, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Downtown Brooklyn
Emma Newman, PA-C
Physician assistant · Upper East Side
Grace Jarrett, PA-C
Physician assistant · Downtown Brooklyn
Leah Aminov, PA-C
Physician assistant · Greenvale
Karen Chen, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Paige Yurick, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Arielle Ades, DNP, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Francesca Raedel, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Jennifer Telgener, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Christine Sacco, FNP-C
Nurse practitioner · Palm Beach Gardens