How Vitiligo Can Affect People of Color

Although vitiligo is not contagious or fatal, the chronic skin condition can be highly visible. Because of this, individuals diagnosed with vitiligo can experience various emotional and psychological effects from it. This is especially true for Black people and those with darker-pigmented skin.

Does Vitiligo Manifest Differently in People of Color?

Vitiligo is a chronic, non-painful autoimmune disease that causes skin to lose pigmentation and appears on the affected area of the body as smooth, light, or white patches called macules. The Vitiligo Research Center reports that just over 1 percent of people in the United States were diagnosed with the disorder in 2022.

Although vitiligo affects all people equally regardless of race, the condition is more visible in people with darker skin, which can make it a greater burden for them. “Vitiligo can be especially stressful for people of color because the white lesions tend to be more noticeable on darker skin tones,” says Caroline Opene, MD, a dermatologist at UCLA Health in Los Angeles. “If the lesions are on sensitive areas such as the face or if they are widespread, it can impact a person’s sense of racial or ethnic identity. Fortunately, with more celebrities showing their vitiligo and with more mainstream attention on the condition, it is gaining more widespread acceptance.”

Challenges People of Color With Vitiligo May Face

Although vitiligo does not develop differently in people of different races, there are some differences that people of color may experience related to access to care and stigma. First, people of color can experience various disparities within the healthcare system. Lack of or limited medical insurance, longer commutes to access quality medical treatment, and bias among healthcare providers are only a few factors that create these gaps.

Also, vitiligo treatment typically requires specialty care from a dermatologist, which may require additional referrals. This can make it even more challenging for individuals with limited access to healthcare to get treatment.

Charles, 33, is a Black male who was formally diagnosed with generalized vitiligo at age 24. He started noticing white spots developing on his hands and feet when he was 16. Charles blames direct and unprotected exposure to the sun as one of the reasons his vitiligo spread so rapidly. “By the time I hit my early twenties, my vitiligo had spread across a large portion of my chest. But I was unemployed at the time and did not have health insurance,” he recalls. “I was not formally diagnosed and put on a treatment plan until I was 24,” Charles says. Treatment costs can also create additional challenges for some people of color.

The Importance of Sun Protection in People of Color

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends that people with vitiligo stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen to prevent burning the areas that have lost pigment. Exposure to the sun can also cause the condition to spread, even in people of color. It is crucial for people with darker skin to wear sunscreen and stay in shaded areas when outside in the sun.

Charles blames direct and unprotected exposure to the sun as one of the reasons his vitiligo spread so rapidly. “There is a common myth that Black people don’t have to wear sunscreen. Of course, now I know that couldn’t be further from the truth, especially if you have vitiligo,” he says.

People of color who have been diagnosed with vitiligo can opt to wear makeup to help even out their complexion and reduce the appearance of the condition. Self-tanning products can also help conceal affected skin, according to Dr. Opene.

Getting Help for Vitiligo

There are ways for people of color to address the emotional impact of living with vitiligo and the social stigma that can accompany it. Support groups are a way to share information and connect with others who have vitiligo. You can check out the Vitiligo Research Foundation, Vitiligo Support International, and Global Vitiligo Foundation for more information.

You might also want to talk to a psychodermatologist or another therapist. Speaking with a licensed mental health professional can be beneficial when experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem or self-confidence, all of which can affect people with vitiligo, according to a September 2021 article published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.

Also, be sure to connect with a dermatologist who listens to your concerns and can offer you a range of treatment options. You deserve to feel your best when living with vitiligo.