White patches on your face or body? It could be vitiligo

Free Malaysia Today

25-06-2025

With 0.5%-2% of the global population having this skin condition, vitiligo is not classified as a rare disease. (Envato Elements pic)
KUALA LUMPUR : About seven years ago, Farah (not her real name) found white spots appearing on the left side of her face.
At first, she thought it was a fungal infection. But as weeks passed, the patches spread, eventually covering almost her entire face. She was eventually diagnosed with vitiligo.
'I often get asked what's wrong with my face – whether it is caused by a burn, or whether my skin is peeling. Not many people are familiar with this condition. Some describe it as a 'strange' disease,' Farah, 26, told Bernama.
Accepting it, she confessed, was initially difficult. 'My confidence took a hit. But once I got used to it, I started to see it as normal. Now, my skin has almost completely recovered on its own without any treatment or medication.'
Vitiligo is a skin condition caused by the loss of pigment, or melanin, in certain areas, resulting in white or lighter patches that contrast with the person's natural skin tone.
While it is not harmful to physical health, the visible changes can affect a person's self-confidence and emotional well-being.
Content creator Space Dollah, who also has vitiligo, recently opened up about his journey with the condition in a podcast.
The 36-year-old, real name Syed Abdullah Syed Abdul Rahman, regularly shares information about the condition, including scientific explanations and documentaries related to vitiligo, on social media.
Content creator Space Dollah has been living with vitiligo for the past four years. (YouTube pic)
He admitted that he disappeared from social media for six months due to the condition, which he has been living with for the past four years.
'It isn't only on my face but also all over my body, and that made me embarrassed to go out or meet friends. But I started to feel OK once I accepted myself, and I realised I don't need to care about what others think.
'My advice to those with this condition is to take their time to accept it and don't feel pressured,' he said, adding that he is grateful for the support of his family and friends.
Not a rare disease
Consultant dermatologist Dr Irene Lee points out that vitiligo is not classified as a rare disease, as 0.5%-2% of the global population is affected by it.
She said vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells in the skin decrease, resulting in white patches on the surface. The condition can affect people of all backgrounds, and individuals who have a family history of the condition may be at higher risk of developing it.
There are two types of vitiligo: non-segmental and segmental. Non-segmental vitiligo is more common and is caused by an autoimmune issue, where the immune system attacks the pigment cells in the skin.
Dr Irene Lee.
'Segmental vitiligo, on the other hand, can be caused by various factors, including autoimmune issues, nerve-related problems, and genetics,' Lee said.
With non-segmental vitiligo, white patches usually appear on both sides of the body, and these may develop and stop progressing several times throughout a person's life.
With segmental vitiligo, the white patches usually appear in one specific area of the body, persist for a while, and then fade.
'Vitiligo usually doesn't cause other symptoms such as pain or itchiness, apart from the appearance of patches. It also doesn't lead to other physical problems or qualify as a disability.
'However, for those with this condition, it may cause emotional stress or affect their quality of life due to the visible patches on their bodies,' Lee said.
Stressing that vitiligo is not contagious, Lee noted that cases in Malaysia are at a manageable level, with more patients seeking treatment for the condition thanks to medical advancements and accessibility to healthcare facilities.
She added that genetics contributes to 80% of vitiligo cases worldwide. For the remaining 20%, contributing factors include race, autoimmune responses, and biochemical and environmental influences.
Cosmetic treatments such as laser therapy can reduce or remove white patches caused by vitiligo. (Envato Elements pic)
According to Lee, many vitiligo patients opt for cosmetic treatments such as laser therapy, which can reduce or remove the white patches without affecting other areas of the skin.
She said for those with mild vitiligo, non-steroidal creams can be applied to the affected areas, while those with more severe vitiligo may be prescribed medications such as steroids.
Ultimately, Lee urges those with vitiligo not to feel ashamed of their condition. 'Vitiligo is simply a difference in skin colour. It has nothing to do with personal hygiene, which people often assume is the cause.
'It is not a contagious disease. Unfortunately, some people are afraid to go near people with vitiligo and avoid them unnecessarily.'
She also wants patients to know that vitiligo is treatable, and early intervention can improve the chances of recovery. 'In the meantime, while waiting for the patches to heal, you can cover them with makeup if you wish.'