Segmental Vitiligo: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
البهاق القطعي
Segmental vitiligo is pigment loss usually affecting one region or one side of the body. Diagnosis distinguishes other causes of white patches and assesses activity before treatment.
What is Segmental Vitiligo?
It may spread initially and later stabilize, although individual courses vary. Hair within affected areas may turn white, unlike the more symmetrical pattern of nonsegmental vitiligo.
Related reading: Vitiligo and its different patterns.
Symptoms
Relatively defined pale or white patches may contain white hairs. Pain or scaling is not typical and can suggest a different diagnosis.
Causes
Loss of pigment-producing melanocytes causes the pale areas, with complex underlying mechanisms. It is unrelated to poor hygiene and is not contagious.
Risk factors
It often starts young, but distribution and progression matter more than age alone. Surgery requires documented stability and discussion of likely outcomes and possible scarring.
Diagnosis
A dermatologist reviews distribution and progression and may use a Wood lamp. Tests or biopsy are selected according to findings rather than a standard panel for everyone.
Treatment
Topical treatment or targeted light therapy may be considered according to age, location and activity. Skin or pigment-cell grafting suits some stable cases, not every patient or early episode.
Complications
Sunburn susceptibility and emotional distress may occur. Repigmentation can be partial or uneven, and white hairs may respond differently from surrounding skin.
Prevention
Protect depigmented skin from sunburn and avoid irritating remedies. Safe cosmetic camouflage and psychological support can be offered according to personal preference.
When to see a doctor
Seek assessment for new or rapidly spreading patches to confirm the diagnosis and discuss early care. Burns or inflammation after a product need review and stopping the irritating product.