Vitiligo isn’t just about white patches—it’s about understanding why those patches appear and what makes them spread. For many, vitiligo begins without warning, which can be emotionally overwhelming.
According to a 2023 report by the Indian Dermatology Association, India sees nearly 2% of its population affected by vitiligo, with a growing number of adult-onset cases due to heredity, autoimmune, and stress-related triggers.
Knowing the underlying causes of vitiligo helps you manage the condition better—and may even slow its progression.
What Is Vitiligo & How Is It Caused?
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition where your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. This leads to white patches of skin, often symmetrical and progressive.
While the exact cause can differ for each person, vitiligo is most commonly triggered by a combination of genetic, immune, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Common Causes of Vitiligo in Adults
- Autoimmune - or associated with autoimmune diseases like thyroid dysfunction or diabetes
- Family history of vitiligo or other autoimmune conditions
- Physical skin trauma such as cuts, burns, or sun damage (Koebner’s phenomenon)
- Nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin B12 or Vitamin D)
- Oxidative stress—an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body
What Makes Vitiligo Spread Faster?
- Chronic stress or emotional trauma
- Unprotected sun exposure
- Chemical exposure from hair dyes or skin products
- Skin friction from tight clothing or scratching
- Infections
Can Diet, Stress, or Lifestyle Impact Vitiligo?
Absolutely. Lifestyle factors often fuel existing autoimmune imbalances.
Stress-
Triggers immune overactivity and flare-ups.
Diet-
Low antioxidant levels can reduce the skin’s ability to heal.hence include:
- Vitamin C: Found in citrus, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli; aids collagen formation and skin repair
- Vitamin E: Found in nuts, seeds, spinach, and avocado; protects skin from oxidative damage
- Beta-Carotene: Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin; supports skin health as a precursor to Vitamin A
Certain foods (like gluten or dairy) may trigger sensitivity in some individuals.
Iron and b12 rich diet- Like spinach, lentils, chickpeas, and pumpkin seeds, etc.
Dr Batra’s® pro tip:The Trigger You Ignore May Be the One That Spreads It
"In Vitiligo, the natural color of the skin is lost, which has a psychological impact on the person suffering from it. Ultimately, he is stuck in a catch 22 situation he cannot escape. Homeopathy treats the patient holistically because it is a mind-body medicine. It is a condition that causes the entire family to suffer, and seeking medical assistance becomes extremely important. The chances of curing this disease are high if the patient seeks medical assistance at the right time.”