Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsVitiligo PatchesCausesNot ContagiousSelf-Esteem and IntimacyTreatmentWhere to GoFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Vitiligo Patches
Causes
Not Contagious
Self-Esteem and Intimacy
Treatment
Where to Go
Frequently Asked Questions
People withvitiligousually lose skin pigment in patches. The depigmented, white patches may spread all over the body, or they may appear only in one area. This loss of pigmentation can happen in and around thevagina.
Vitiligois a chronic condition that causes the skin to losemelanin, the substance that determines your skin color. Researchers believe that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease—a condition that causes the body’simmune systemto turn against itself and destroy healthy cells.
Vitiligo isn’t contagious or life-threatening. However, it can lead to challenges with self-esteem, psychological distress,body image, and quality of life.This article will discuss vitiligo on the vagina, why it appears, and what helps with confidence.
FatCamera / Getty Images
What Are Vitiligo Patches?
Vitiligo causes the destruction ofmelanocytes—the cells that give skin its pigment.As skin loses its color, irregular milky-white patches appear on the face and body. The patches may lose color only partially, or they might appear completely white. Most people with vitiligodo not have any other symptoms, such as itching or pain.
There are two kinds of vitiligo, each of which causes a different pattern of color loss:
Usually, vitiligo symptoms first appear before the age of 20.Over time, the color loss may progress and spread.
Location and Appearance
People with vitiligo can experience depigmentation anywhere. White patches are most common in themucous membranes(such as are in the genitals, mouth, or nose), hands, feet, face, and torso. Color loss may also affect the eyes and hair.
While anyone can get vitiligo, the white patches are often more obvious in people with darker skin tones.They may also spread more easily to areas of skin frequently exposed to the sun.
On the Vagina
Vitiligo on the vagina is sometimes called mucosal vitiligo (MV)—skin depigmentation in the mouth and/or genitals—or vulvar vitiligo (VV).White patches may appear on thevulva(the external genitalia), inside the vagina, or both.
In children, vulvar vitiligo is sometimes referred to as “figure-of-eight disease” because of the typical distribution of white patches along the vulva andperianal area(around the anus).
Sometimes, vitiligo in and around the vagina is misdiagnosed aslichen sclerosus(or vice versa).Lichen sclerosusis a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that causes itchy, white patches to develop on the external genitalia. Some people have both vitiligo and lichen sclerosus.
Like vitiligo, lichen sclerosus is not contagious, and it can’t be sexually transmitted. However, lichen sclerosus is linked to an increased risk of vulvar cancer.
Vitiligo and Sexual HealthNo matter where it appears, vitiligo is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is not contagious, and you can’t transmit it to a sexual partner.
Vitiligo and Sexual Health
No matter where it appears, vitiligo is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is not contagious, and you can’t transmit it to a sexual partner.
Causes of Genital Vitiligo in Women
Because vitiligo is believed to be anautoimmune disorder, it may be related to oxidative stress (an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the body) and inflammation.
Up to 25% of people with vitiligo have at least one other autoimmune disorder, such as:
Genital vitiligo is usually diagnosed as a form of segmental vitiligo. Segmental vitiligo is more common in females than in males, and it is somewhat more likely to appear in childhood.Females are not more likely than males to have vitiligo, but they are more likely to have autoimmune disorders in general.
Autoimmune Disease Types and Treatment
Why Vitiligo on the Vagina Isn’t Contagious
While vitiligo symptoms may sometimes be alarming, especially in the genital area, vitiligo is not asexually transmitted infection(STI). It is also not related to poor hygiene, sexual health, or any contagious condition.
While vitiligo is not a dangerous medical condition, it can cause significant psychological distress. Vitiligo has been linked to social stigma, self-consciousness, depression, and a diminished quality of life.
Especially in the genital area, vitiligo can also lead to struggles with intimacy due to challenges withself-esteem, body image, and confidence.Some people may be embarrassed to talk to their partner about vitiligo. They may also worry that a sexual partner will wonder if their condition is contagious.
Recent research suggests that vitiligo-related stress can lead to sexual dysfunction, such as lowarousaland difficulty reaching orgasm.A 2021 study indicated that women with vitiligo were more likely to experience sexual dissatisfaction as a result of concerns about their attractiveness to a partner.
If you have vitiligo, it’s important to build your confidence and cultivate a healthy self-image. People with vitiligo report greater levels of happiness and an improved overall sense of well-being after working to boost their self-esteem.
Here are some ways you can approach the topic of vulvar vitiligo with your partner:
Vaginal Loss of Pigmentation Treatments
There is no known permanent cure for vitiligo.Vitiligo treatment options are focused on temporary repigmentation, preventing the spread of color loss, and covering up existing depigmentation.
The most common treatments for vitiligo include:
Some healthcare providers are willing to treat vitiligo on the vagina with topical corticosteroids and UV light therapy. However, these treatments aren’t always as safe, practical, or effective for genital vitiligo.
Topical steroid creams can lead to side effects likeskin atrophy(thinning of the skin). Light therapy often requires two to three sessions per week.
Some research suggests thattopical calcineurin inhibitors(TCIs), such as Elidel (pimecrolimus) and Protopic (tacrolimus) creams, may be effective in reversing color loss in children and adults with vulvar vitiligo.
Many people choose not to seek medical treatment for vulvar vitiligo. Because vitiligo isn’t life-threatening and typically doesn’t lead to health complications, it’s not necessary to medically treat the condition.
Vitiligo, Diet, and SupplementsBecause vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, some people believe that immune-boosting nutrition and supplements may promote repigmentation. Some research suggests that gingko biloba, for example, may prevent vitiligo symptoms from getting worse or even reverse color loss.However, the evidence for treating vitiligo with vitamins and minerals is limited.
Vitiligo, Diet, and Supplements
Because vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, some people believe that immune-boosting nutrition and supplements may promote repigmentation. Some research suggests that gingko biloba, for example, may prevent vitiligo symptoms from getting worse or even reverse color loss.However, the evidence for treating vitiligo with vitamins and minerals is limited.
If you notice white patches on your vagina, you should talk to your healthcare provider as a first step. Your healthcare provider may want to rule out other possible diagnoses, such as lichen sclerosus, other skin conditions, orvulvar cancer.
Your healthcare provider can refer you to a dermatologist (specialist in skin conditions) who focuses on female genital dermatology or a vulva-vaginal disorders specialist.A psychotherapist may also be able to help you with issues related to body image and self-esteem.
Summary
Vitiligo is a chronic condition that causes the skin to lose pigment in patches. It is believed to be an autoimmune disease. Vitiligo is not life-threatening or dangerous, but it can cause psychological distress.
Loss of pigmentation may occur anywhere on the body. Children and adults with vitiligo may experience color loss in and around the vagina.
Vitiligo patches on the vulva or in the vagina are not dangerous, and they can’t be transmitted to a sexual partner. However, many people with genital vitiligo experience self-consciousness and face challenges with body image, self-esteem, and intimacy.
Vitiligo treatment options include topical medications, light therapy, camouflage therapy, and surgery. Many of these treatment options aren’t as safe or effective in treating genital vitiligo. However, there are some topical treatments, such as topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), that can help with repigmentation in the genital area.
Adermatologist, especially one who specializes in female genital dermatology, can explain your treatment options in more detail.
A Word From Verywell
Vitiligo isn’t a dangerous medical condition, but it can lead to emotional stress and struggles with self-esteem. Talk to your primary healthcare provider or a dermatologist if you are concerned about vitiligo symptoms in your vaginal area.
Frequently Asked QuestionsVitiligo is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is not contagious, and it can’t ever be transmitted to a sexual partner. It also doesn’t typically cause itching, burning, or pain in the genitals.Vitiligo patches can appear anywhere on the body or face. Color loss can also affect the hair and mucous membranes. In many cases, vitiligo patches first appear on the hands, feet, genitals, or face.Bring up the subject of vaginal vitiligo whenever it feels right to you. Some people prefer to allow the topic to come up organically in conversation, while others like to talk about their condition early in their relationship.Let your partner know what you need from them to feel confident and comfortable, especially during physical intimacy.There is no known cure for vitiligo. However, some people achieve repigmentation with consistent treatment. Vitiligo treatment options include light therapy or topical medications, such as medicated ointments or creams.
Vitiligo is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is not contagious, and it can’t ever be transmitted to a sexual partner. It also doesn’t typically cause itching, burning, or pain in the genitals.
Vitiligo patches can appear anywhere on the body or face. Color loss can also affect the hair and mucous membranes. In many cases, vitiligo patches first appear on the hands, feet, genitals, or face.
Bring up the subject of vaginal vitiligo whenever it feels right to you. Some people prefer to allow the topic to come up organically in conversation, while others like to talk about their condition early in their relationship.Let your partner know what you need from them to feel confident and comfortable, especially during physical intimacy.
Bring up the subject of vaginal vitiligo whenever it feels right to you. Some people prefer to allow the topic to come up organically in conversation, while others like to talk about their condition early in their relationship.
Let your partner know what you need from them to feel confident and comfortable, especially during physical intimacy.
There is no known cure for vitiligo. However, some people achieve repigmentation with consistent treatment. Vitiligo treatment options include light therapy or topical medications, such as medicated ointments or creams.
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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.
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National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Vitiligo.
Nemours TeensHealth.Vitiligo.
UMass Chan Medical School.Maybe it’s not vitiligo!
Veronesi G, Virdi A, Leuzzi M, et al.Vulvar vitiligo and lichen sclerosus in children: A clinical challenge.Pediatr Dermatol. 2021;38(5):1012-1019. doi:10.1111/pde.14771
Sink JR, Silverberg NB.Genital vitiligo in children: Factors associated with generalized, non-segmental vitiligo.Pediatr Dermatol. 2020;37(1):64-68. doi:10.1111/pde.13998
National Organization for Rare Diseases.Lichen sclerosus.
NHS.Lichen sclerosus.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.Vitiligo: Causes.
UCLA Dermatology.Vitiligo.
Grimes PE, Miller MM.Vitiligo: Patient stories, self-esteem, and the psychological burden of disease.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2018;4(1):32-37. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.11.005
Alhetheli GI.The impact of vitiligo on patients’ psychological status and sexual function: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.Open Dermatol J. 2021;15:23-30. doi:10.2174/1874372202115010023
Vitiligo Society.What I learned dating as a girl with vitiligo.
Khaled HN, El-Sabagh EA, Bazid HA.Female sexual dysfunction in patients with psoriasis and vitiligo: An Egyptian pilot study.J. Egypt. Women’s Dermatol Soc. 2021;18(1):22-34. doi:10.4103/JEWD.JEWD_51_20
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Vitiligo: Tips for managing.
Vitiligo Center.A unique treatment for genital vitiligo.
Souza Leite RM, Craveiro Leite AA.Two therapeutic challenges: Periocular and genital vitiligo in children successfully treated with pimecrolimus cream.Int J Dermatol. 2007;46(9):986-989. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03282.x
National Eczema Society.Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs).
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Vitiligo: Diagnosis and treatment.
Tysons Dermatology.Vulva-vaginal disorders specialist & vulva dermatology.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Vitiligo: Signs and symptoms.
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