Vitiligo guide

Can vitiligo spread from person to person?

Vitiligo is not an infection and does not spread from person to person. It is not passed through touch, being near someone, or ordinary shared activities.

No current approach guarantees permanent clearance, but several care options may help control change or support partial return of colour in some people. Response varies, and decisions should be discussed with a clinician in the individual's context.

Synthetic illustration of a Black woman with areas of varied skin colour on her face and armsSynthetic image
Prepared by
Asoke Skin Hospital
Medically reviewed by the dermatology team
Asoke Skin Hospital
First published
Last medically reviewed

References

The following sources support the reviewed copy.

  1. R1American Academy of Dermatology — Vitiligo: Diagnosis and treatment
  2. R4NIAMS — Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
  3. R5British Association of Dermatologists — Vitiligo patient information leaflet