Vitiligoaffects people of all ethnicities andskin types. While the exact cause is unknown, research has suggested that various factors are at play. Some possible reasons include genetic mutations, environmental triggers, autoimmune diseases, etc.
Researchers also believe lifestyle factors, such as stress, skin damage, and chemical exposure, may contribute to a person’s risk of vitiligo.
This article discusses common causes and risk factors of vitiligo.
Armin Rimoldi/Pexels
An Overview of Vitiligo
Common Causes
Vitiligo is generally considered anautoimmune disease, though it’s not entirely clear what triggers the immune system to mistakenly attack its own healthy skin pigment cells.
Experts think a combination of factors, including genetics, autoimmunity, skin damage, and stress, increase a person’s risk of vitiligo.
Genetic Mutations
Variations in multiple genes have been linked to an increased risk of developing vitiligo. Roughly 30% of vitiligo cases run in families, and about one-fifth of people with vitiligo have at least one close relative who also has the condition.
While a family history of vitiligo can make someone more likely to have the condition, researchers agree that it’s not the only cause.
Autoimmune Conditions
Studies show a clear genetic link between vitiligo and other autoimmune diseases, including those that specifically affect the thyroid gland.
While the exact circumstances are still being studied, it could be because vitiligo patients’immune systemsdevelop antibodies that destroy the skin pigmentation cells.
Roughly 15% to 25% of people with vitiligo have at least one other autoimmune disease.
People who have an existing autoimmune disease, such aspsoriasis,lupus,Hashimoto’s disease,rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and hypothyroidism, are at an increased risk of developing vitiligo.
What Are Skin Pigmentation Disorders?
Environmental Triggers
Environmental circumstances, such as stress, abad sunburn, skin trauma, or exposure to a strong chemical, seem to prompt vitiligo development in people who are genetically predisposed to the condition.
Triggers may also cause existing vitiligo patches to spread or progress in people who already have the condition. For example, the first signs of skin pigmentation loss may show up on an area of skin that has come in contact with chemicals or experiencedskin damage.
Vitiligo may get worse after a person experiences intense emotional or physical stress.
What Causes Skin Discoloration?
Genetics
Researchers have found variations in more than 30genesthat have been linked to a higher risk of developing vitiligo. Many of the genes are involved in the body’s immune system or melanocyte function, and it’s possible that each contributes to a portion of the vitiligo risk.
Genes that are thought to play a role in vitiligo development include:
Certain variations in both genes may make it more difficult for the body to control inflammation and prevent the immune system from attacking its own healthy cells.
Changes in these genes have also been associated with an increased likelihood of developing other autoimmune diseases.
Can You Have Multiple Autoimmune Diseases?
Although researchers know that some people have a higher risk of developing vitiligo as a result of having certain genetic mutations, the reasons why these changes occur aren’t completely clear and underscore why there are likely other contributing factors at work.
Vitiligo can run in the family, though that’s not always the case. Roughly 30% of people with vitiligo have a close relative who also has vitiligo, but only 5% to 7% of children with a parent who has vitiligo will develop the condition.
Lifestyle Risk Factors
There’s no way to know for sure whether a person will develop vitiligo. However, experts have identified several risk factors that are thought to increase the chances—particularly if the person has a genetic predisposition to the condition.
Skin Damage or Trauma
Research has shown that vitiligo development might be more likely in areas where there has been frequent sun exposure and severe sunburns (commonly on the face, neck, and hands).
Stress
Studies have shown that stressful events or chronic emotional and physical stress may trigger both the development and progression of vitiligo, particularly in patients who are predisposed because of their genes.
Autoimmune Skin Disorders
Chemical Exposure
Contact with or exposure to certain chemicals might be another environmental risk factor for developing vitiligo. Some experts have hypothesized that the chemicals accelerate stress pathways that are already present in melanocytes, leading to autoimmune inflammation.
In addition, genetic influences may increase cellular stress in melanocytes or set a lower threshold for stress that the immune system can handle.
One of the chemicals that has been studied is monobenzone, which is found in certain products like rubber, leather, and cosmetic dyes. Research has found that monobenzone can prompt skin depigmentation to develop and worsen in people who already have vitiligo.
Another category of chemicals that might play a role in vitiligo is phenols, which are thought to disrupt melanocyte function. These chemicals are often ingredients in products such as adhesives, disinfectants, paints, insecticides, and more.
8 Ways Environmental Pollutants Can Harm the Body
A Word From Verywell
Vitiligo is not life-threatening or contagious, but it can have a profound impact on a person’s self-esteem, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. It can also be frustrating because there is no way to prevent the condition or predict if, or when, a person will develop it.
Several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing vitiligo have been identified, but some of them are not in your control, such as your genetics. Among the millions of people around the world who have vitiligo, each person’s causes and risk factors will be different.
There are several options fortreatingthe skin pigmentation loss that comes with vitiligo, but you may also choose not to treat the condition.
Does Vitiligo Require Treatment?
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology.Vitiligo: Who gets and causes.U.S. National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus Genetics.Vitiligo.Strassner JP, Harris JE.Understanding mechanisms of autoimmunity through translational research in vitiligo.Curr Opin Immunol.2016 Dec; 43:81-11. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2016.09.008Spritz RA.Recent progress in the genetics of generalized vitiligo.J Genet Genomics.2011 Jul 20;38(7): 271-8. doi:10.1016/j.jgg.2011.05.005.U.S. National Library of Medicine.NLRP1 gene.U.S. National Library of Medicine.PTPN22 gene.Smith AG, Sturm RA.Multiple genes and locus interactions in susceptibility to vitiligo.J Invest Dermatol. 2010 Mar;130(3):643-5. doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.403Jin Y, Spritz RA, et al.Variant of TYR and autoimmunity susceptibility loci in generalized vitiligo.N Engl J Med.2010 May 6;362(18):1686-97. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa0908547.Vitiligo Support International.Genetics & Incidence.Manga P, Elbuluk N, Orlow SJ.Recent advances in understanding vitiligo.F1000Res. 2016 Sep 6;5:F1000 Faculty Rev-2234.doi:10.12688/f1000research.8976.1.Henning SW, Jaishankar D, Barse LW, et al.The relationship between stress and vitiligo: Evaluating perceived stress and electronic medical record data.PLoS One.2020; 15(1):e0227909. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0227909Song H, Fang F, Tomasson G, et al.Association of Stress-Related Disorders With Subsequent Autoimmune Disease.JAMA.2018;319(23):2388-2400. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.7028Harris JE.Chemical-induced vitiligo.Dermatol Clin.2017; 35: 151-161. doi:10.1016/j.det.2016.11.006Kammeyer A, Willemsen KJ, Ouwerkerk W, et al.Mechanism of action of 4-substituted phenols to induce vitiligo and anti-melanoma immunity.Pigment Cell & Melanoma Res.2019 Feb. 32(4): 540-552. doi:10.1111/pcmr.12774Johnson J, Mousdicas N.Could idiopathic vitiligo possibly be contact vitiligo?.JAAD.2013 Apr. 68(4) 1: AB189. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2012.12.780Global Vitiligo Foundation.Vitiligo Facts.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology.Vitiligo: Who gets and causes.U.S. National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus Genetics.Vitiligo.Strassner JP, Harris JE.Understanding mechanisms of autoimmunity through translational research in vitiligo.Curr Opin Immunol.2016 Dec; 43:81-11. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2016.09.008Spritz RA.Recent progress in the genetics of generalized vitiligo.J Genet Genomics.2011 Jul 20;38(7): 271-8. doi:10.1016/j.jgg.2011.05.005.U.S. National Library of Medicine.NLRP1 gene.U.S. National Library of Medicine.PTPN22 gene.Smith AG, Sturm RA.Multiple genes and locus interactions in susceptibility to vitiligo.J Invest Dermatol. 2010 Mar;130(3):643-5. doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.403Jin Y, Spritz RA, et al.Variant of TYR and autoimmunity susceptibility loci in generalized vitiligo.N Engl J Med.2010 May 6;362(18):1686-97. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa0908547.Vitiligo Support International.Genetics & Incidence.Manga P, Elbuluk N, Orlow SJ.Recent advances in understanding vitiligo.F1000Res. 2016 Sep 6;5:F1000 Faculty Rev-2234.doi:10.12688/f1000research.8976.1.Henning SW, Jaishankar D, Barse LW, et al.The relationship between stress and vitiligo: Evaluating perceived stress and electronic medical record data.PLoS One.2020; 15(1):e0227909. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0227909Song H, Fang F, Tomasson G, et al.Association of Stress-Related Disorders With Subsequent Autoimmune Disease.JAMA.2018;319(23):2388-2400. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.7028Harris JE.Chemical-induced vitiligo.Dermatol Clin.2017; 35: 151-161. doi:10.1016/j.det.2016.11.006Kammeyer A, Willemsen KJ, Ouwerkerk W, et al.Mechanism of action of 4-substituted phenols to induce vitiligo and anti-melanoma immunity.Pigment Cell & Melanoma Res.2019 Feb. 32(4): 540-552. doi:10.1111/pcmr.12774Johnson J, Mousdicas N.Could idiopathic vitiligo possibly be contact vitiligo?.JAAD.2013 Apr. 68(4) 1: AB189. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2012.12.780Global Vitiligo Foundation.Vitiligo Facts.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology.Vitiligo: Who gets and causes.U.S. National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus Genetics.Vitiligo.Strassner JP, Harris JE.Understanding mechanisms of autoimmunity through translational research in vitiligo.Curr Opin Immunol.2016 Dec; 43:81-11. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2016.09.008Spritz RA.Recent progress in the genetics of generalized vitiligo.J Genet Genomics.2011 Jul 20;38(7): 271-8. doi:10.1016/j.jgg.2011.05.005.U.S. National Library of Medicine.NLRP1 gene.U.S. National Library of Medicine.PTPN22 gene.Smith AG, Sturm RA.Multiple genes and locus interactions in susceptibility to vitiligo.J Invest Dermatol. 2010 Mar;130(3):643-5. doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.403Jin Y, Spritz RA, et al.Variant of TYR and autoimmunity susceptibility loci in generalized vitiligo.N Engl J Med.2010 May 6;362(18):1686-97. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa0908547.Vitiligo Support International.Genetics & Incidence.Manga P, Elbuluk N, Orlow SJ.Recent advances in understanding vitiligo.F1000Res. 2016 Sep 6;5:F1000 Faculty Rev-2234.doi:10.12688/f1000research.8976.1.Henning SW, Jaishankar D, Barse LW, et al.The relationship between stress and vitiligo: Evaluating perceived stress and electronic medical record data.PLoS One.2020; 15(1):e0227909. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0227909Song H, Fang F, Tomasson G, et al.Association of Stress-Related Disorders With Subsequent Autoimmune Disease.JAMA.2018;319(23):2388-2400. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.7028Harris JE.Chemical-induced vitiligo.Dermatol Clin.2017; 35: 151-161. doi:10.1016/j.det.2016.11.006Kammeyer A, Willemsen KJ, Ouwerkerk W, et al.Mechanism of action of 4-substituted phenols to induce vitiligo and anti-melanoma immunity.Pigment Cell & Melanoma Res.2019 Feb. 32(4): 540-552. doi:10.1111/pcmr.12774Johnson J, Mousdicas N.Could idiopathic vitiligo possibly be contact vitiligo?.JAAD.2013 Apr. 68(4) 1: AB189. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2012.12.780Global Vitiligo Foundation.Vitiligo Facts.
American Academy of Dermatology.Vitiligo: Who gets and causes.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus Genetics.Vitiligo.
Strassner JP, Harris JE.Understanding mechanisms of autoimmunity through translational research in vitiligo.Curr Opin Immunol.2016 Dec; 43:81-11. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2016.09.008
Spritz RA.Recent progress in the genetics of generalized vitiligo.J Genet Genomics.2011 Jul 20;38(7): 271-8. doi:10.1016/j.jgg.2011.05.005.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.NLRP1 gene.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.PTPN22 gene.
Smith AG, Sturm RA.Multiple genes and locus interactions in susceptibility to vitiligo.J Invest Dermatol. 2010 Mar;130(3):643-5. doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.403
Jin Y, Spritz RA, et al.Variant of TYR and autoimmunity susceptibility loci in generalized vitiligo.N Engl J Med.2010 May 6;362(18):1686-97. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa0908547.
Vitiligo Support International.Genetics & Incidence.
Manga P, Elbuluk N, Orlow SJ.Recent advances in understanding vitiligo.F1000Res. 2016 Sep 6;5:F1000 Faculty Rev-2234.doi:10.12688/f1000research.8976.1.
Henning SW, Jaishankar D, Barse LW, et al.The relationship between stress and vitiligo: Evaluating perceived stress and electronic medical record data.PLoS One.2020; 15(1):e0227909. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0227909
Song H, Fang F, Tomasson G, et al.Association of Stress-Related Disorders With Subsequent Autoimmune Disease.JAMA.2018;319(23):2388-2400. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.7028
Harris JE.Chemical-induced vitiligo.Dermatol Clin.2017; 35: 151-161. doi:10.1016/j.det.2016.11.006
Kammeyer A, Willemsen KJ, Ouwerkerk W, et al.Mechanism of action of 4-substituted phenols to induce vitiligo and anti-melanoma immunity.Pigment Cell & Melanoma Res.2019 Feb. 32(4): 540-552. doi:10.1111/pcmr.12774
Johnson J, Mousdicas N.Could idiopathic vitiligo possibly be contact vitiligo?.JAAD.2013 Apr. 68(4) 1: AB189. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2012.12.780
Global Vitiligo Foundation.Vitiligo Facts.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
