Can Childhood Vitiligo Go Away?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for vitiligo at this time. 

However, topical medications, light therapy, and lifestyle changes can manage the condition and restore pigment.

Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition where you see white patches on different body parts. Children are sometimes seen more often among those with darker skin tones. 

[Source: Vitiligo Facts| Global Vitiligo Foundation]

Vitiligo isn’t physically harmful or contagious to anyone. However, dealing with these has an emotional and psychological impact, especially on children. 

The appearance of white patches can lead to distress, self-esteem issues, social anxiety, or bullying. Parents worry about their child’s emotional health, social acceptance, and vitiligo progression. 

Therefore, understanding vitiligo and its treatments helps parents support their child emotionally and medically. 

• Talking about treatment, “Can red light therapy help vitiligo?” This question arises as it shows promising results for some patients.

Understanding Childhood Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin disorder. It causes the loss of skin pigmentation. White patches showed up on different parts of the body. This happens when melanocytes get destroyed or start to malfunction.

Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin and give skin its color. Anyone of any age or ethnicity can develop vitiligo. It is not contagious or life-threatening but a long-term condition that may progress.

How Does Childhood Vitiligo Differ from Adult Vitiligo?

Seventy million people worldwide have vitiligo. 

Nearly 50.6% of cases develop before age 20, and about 26.2% appear before age 10. 

Here is how vitiligo is differentiated based on:

• Gender

• Type
• Associated disorders
• Psychosocial impact

1. Gender

2. Type

3. Associated disorders

4. Psychosocial impact

Common Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Vitiligo

The most noticeable symptom of vitiligo is the appearance of white patches. These white patches on the skin look quite visible. You can detect them in a variety of sizes in different areas. 

Here are the common body areas:

• Face (especially around the eyes and mouth)
• Hands and feet
• Elbows and knees
• Genital and perianal areas
• Scalp can cause white or gray hair

Other signs include:

• Patches that gradually expand over time
• Increased sensitivity to the sun in affected areas
• Loss of pigment in the inner lining of the mouth or nose (in some cases)

Causes of Vitiligo in Children

Vitiligo in children occurs for multiple reasons. The main factors thought to be behind its cause are:

• Genetics
• The immune system
• Environmental triggers
• Emotional stress

While the exact cause is still unknown, researchers believe these factors can lead to the loss of melanocytes.

1. Genetic Factors

Vitiligo sometimes runs in families.  Studies show that between 11% and 46% of children with vitiligo have a family history of the condition. About 7% of those with genetic links will develop the disease earlier than others.

Some key genetic aspects include:

• Some immune and pigmentation genes may raise the risk of vitiligo.
• Thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, and alopecia areata are common in families with vitiligo.
• Not all children with a family history will develop it.

2. Autoimmune Triggers

Vitiligo is classified as an autoimmune disease. This means the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. It ended up in the gradual loss of skin pigment. Autoimmune-related factors in children include:

• The body may produce antibodies that destroy melanocytes.
• Children with vitiligo may develop Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and type 1 diabetes.

3. Environmental Influences

Certain environmental reasons can trigger or worsen vitiligo in children. These include:

• Prolonged or intense exposure to sunlight may trigger vitiligo in some children.
• It targets areas prone to sunburn especially.
• Skincare or hair dye chemicals can harm melanocytes or trigger immune responses.

4. Stress and Skin Trauma

Emotional and physical stress can trigger the onset or progression of vitiligo in children. These factors include:

• Starting school, family issues, or bullying can worsen vitiligo. 
• Stress impacts immune function, possibly triggering autoimmune responses.
• Injuries like cuts, burns, or friction from tight clothing can cause new vitiligo patches. 
• The Koebner phenomenon occurs when skin trauma induces vitiligo in unaffected areas.

Can Childhood Vitiligo Go Away on Its Own?

Vitiligo is a long-term condition. However, in some cases, childhood vitiligo may stabilize or show signs of repigmentation. This can happen with or without medical intervention. 

The likelihood of vitiligo disappearing on its own depends on various things. Such as:

• Type of vitiligo
• Child’s immune response
• External influences
• The use of treatment

Cases Where Vitiligo May Stabilize or Repigment Naturally

• Segmental Vitiligo: 

This type of vitiligo affects only one side or segment of the body.  It often appears suddenly and spreads rapidly for a few months. After a while, it stabilizes. Partial repigmentation sometimes comes, especially if the condition stops progressing early. 

• Spontaneous Repigmentation:

Some children experience natural repigmentation. Areas like hair follicles remain unaffected (such as the face). Children are more likely to have it compared to adults. However, complete repigmentation without treatment is rare. Only 3.6% of patients experienced repigmentations, one study states. 

• Localized or Mild Vitiligo: 

If vitiligo is just in a small spot and doesn’t change for a while, there’s a chance to get some color back. This can happen only if the immune system stops going after the skin cells that make pigment.

Treatment Options for Childhood Vitiligo

1. Topical Treatments

Tropical treatment is seen as a first line of treatment for childhood vitiligo. It works better for small or localized patches. 

Corticosteroids (Anti-inflammatory creams or ointments)

• Help reduce the immune response attacking melanocytes
• Make repigmentation to happen
• Effective for early or localized vitiligo
• Work better on the face and body
• Long-term use may thin skin or cause redness marks

Calcineurin Inhibitors (Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus)

• Reduces immune system activity and inflammation
• Promote repigmentation
• Safe for long-term use
• Suitable for delicate areas like the face and eyelids
• Mild burning or irritation, but fewer side effects

2. Light Therapy (Red Light)

Red light therapy is new in treatment. However, within a short time, RLT has shown good results in patients with skin disorders. Light therapy uses red or near-infrared light to stimulate healing.

It isn’t like UV treatment. So, there is no risk of tanning or skin cancer. It will do:

• Stimulate melanocyte activity
• Boost the function of cellular mitochondria
• Increase blood circulation
• Increase energy production

3. Natural Remedies & Lifestyle Changes

Natural remedies cannot cure vitiligo. It supports skin health and prevents further depigmentation.

Foods that may help:

• Avoid:  Processed foods and excess sugar to help prevent immune overreactions.

Sun Protection:

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily.
• Wear protective clothing and hats.
• Seek shade during peak sunlight hours (10 AM – 4 PM)

4. Surgical Treatments

Surgery is rarely recommended for children. You may consider it only if other treatments fail, particularly for stable, localized vitiligo.

Skin Grafting

• Transfers pigmented skin to vitiligo patches.
• Perfect for stable vitiligo patches that have been unchanged for a year.
• Scarring, uneven pigmentation, or graft rejection.

Melanocyte Transplantation

• Extraction and transplantation of cultured melanocytes to depigmented areas.
• Still experimental and not widely available for children.

Managing Childhood Vitiligo Emotionally & Socially

Vitiligo affects emotional and social levels as well. Children with vitiligo may experience self-consciousness, anxiety, or even bullying. What you can do is give them reassurance and care. Help the children to navigate life with vitiligo.

Coping Strategies for Children and Parents

Dealing with Social Stigma and Bullying

Unfortunately, children with vitiligo may be teased or even bullied by peers. Preparing them to handle such situations confidently.

• Teach simple explanations about their conditions
• Equip them with responses to bullying 
• Involve teachers and schools for a better learning environment
• Surround them with positive influences

Encouraging Self-Confidence and Self-Acceptance

Boosting a child’s self-esteem helps them embrace their uniqueness and feel confident.

• Teach your child that everyone has something unique about them.
• Compliment your child on their strengths, not just their appearance. 
• Introduce books, cartoons, or stories featuring diverse characters.
• Skin-friendly concealers can boost a child’s social confidence, but they should choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can childhood vitiligo be temporary?

No, most of the white patches are permanent. However, with treatment, the appearance of the patches may reduce to some extent.

Does vitiligo spread quickly in children?

The patches may spread and evolve rapidly but tend to slow down a year after their initial appearance.

What is the best age to start vitiligo treatment?

There is no specific time. You can start the treatment when you learn about vitiligo, even at an early age.

Can diet help in reversing vitiligo?

The diet won’t cure it, but it can prevent the vitiligo from getting worse.