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Vitiligo and the genitals

Vitiligo Genital is a skin condition that causes loss of pigment, also called melanin, in the skin. It results in irregular white patches that affect approximately 1% of the population. Vitiligo is believed to be due to a dysfunction of the immune system, which causes the melanocytes (cells in the skin that produce melanin) to die off or go dormant. The production of pigment in the affected area ceases. Other conditions caused by immune system dysfunction, such as thyroid disease and diabetes, are more common among those who are affected with vitiligo.

What many people do not know about vitiligo genital involvement is quite common. In fact, for many women and men the first sign of the disorder is white patches on the vulva, penis, or scrotum. The nipples and the surrounding skin may also be involved.

The white patches of vitiligo do not itch or cause other symptoms. A biopsy will confirm the diagnosis, but is typically not necessary as the appearance is classic.

The decision to try and reverse the depigmentation of vitiligo is highly personal. The genital tissue does not respond as well to phototherapy, so the best treatment options are topical steroids, a topical medication called tacrolimus, or a combination of tacrolimus and a special laser that uses ultraviolet light.

Depigmentation therapy, the destruction of the surrounding pigment to produce a uniformly white skin, involves caustic chemicals and is not recommended for the more sensitive genital tissues