Can vitiligo be contagious?
Disease description:
My mother is 44 years old, and recently she started developing white patches on her skin. We suspect it might be vitiligo, and we would like to know whether vitiligo is contagious.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition caused by the loss or reduction of melanocyte function, leading to depigmentation of the skin. It is not caused by bacterial, viral, or other microbial infections, and therefore, vitiligo is not contagious. Everyday contact between patients and the surrounding population, such as handshaking, hugging, living or working together, will not transmit vitiligo to others. The development of vitiligo is associated with multiple factors, including genetic predisposition, autoimmune dysfunction, psychological stress, environmental influences, and exposure to certain chemicals. These factors interact and affect the normal function or number of melanocytes, resulting in white patches on the skin. Therefore, the public should develop a correct understanding of vitiligo, offer understanding and support to patients, and avoid misunderstandings and discrimination.
