I Need Support

Living with vitiligo can mean much more than living with changes in skin colour. Everyone experiences vitiligo differently. Some people experience little emotional or social impact, while others may face stigma, unwanted attention, discrimination, anxiety, low confidence or concerns about appearance and relationships.

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system targets melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. It is not contagious, and you cannot catch it from or transmit it to another person.

There is currently no cure for vitiligo, but several treatments can help restore skin colour, reduce the development of new patches or slow disease activity in some people. Treatment does not work the same way for everyone, and some people choose not to pursue medical treatment at all. Both choices deserve respect.

Taking care of yourself

Living well with vitiligo may include:

  • Learning about your condition from reliable sources.
  • Protecting depigmented skin from sunburn.
  • Discussing treatment options with a qualified healthcare professional.
  • Seeking emotional or psychological support when needed.
  • Connecting with other people who understand the experience of living with vitiligo.
  • Using camouflage products if you choose to.
  • Talking openly with trusted family members, friends, teachers or colleagues about vitiligo.
  • Participating in decisions about your own care.

Vitiligo can make affected skin more vulnerable to sunburn because areas without pigment have less natural protection from ultraviolet radiation. Sun protection is therefore important.

You do not have to hide

Choosing to embrace your vitiligo, seek treatment, use camouflage, or combine different approaches is a personal decision. There is no single “right” way to live with vitiligo.

What matters is having accurate information, respectful healthcare and the freedom to make informed choices about your own body.

VISOKE is here to help you find reliable information, connect with support and understand your options.

I’m a parent/caregiver

A diagnosis of vitiligo in a child can raise many questions:

Will it spread? Will my child be bullied? Does my child need treatment? Is vitiligo dangerous? Did I do something to cause it?

First, remember that vitiligo is not caused by anything a parent has done, and it is not contagious. Children can develop vitiligo at any age, including early childhood.

Supporting your child

Children may respond to vitiligo differently depending on their age, personality and environment. Some children may not be concerned about their appearance, while others may become self-conscious, anxious or distressed, particularly when they experience teasing, bullying or unwanted attention.

Parents and caregivers can help by:

  • Listening to the child’s concerns without dismissing them.
  • Using positive and age-appropriate language when discussing vitiligo.
  • Avoiding making the child feel that their appearance needs to be “fixed.”
  • Helping the child understand that vitiligo is not contagious.
  • Working with the child’s school when bullying or discrimination occurs.
  • Encouraging the child to participate in normal activities.
  • Seeking professional psychological support if the child is experiencing significant distress.
  • Discussing treatment options with a healthcare professional experienced in managing vitiligo.

The British Association of Dermatologists recommends that the psychosocial impact of vitiligo should be considered in both children and adults.

Does my child need treatment?

Not every child with vitiligo needs medical treatment. Treatment decisions should consider the child’s age, type and extent of vitiligo, whether it is progressing, where it occurs, the impact on the child’s quality of life and the family’s preferences.

Children who require treatment should be assessed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional, preferably one experienced in managing vitiligo in children.

Do not start prescription creams, phototherapy, supplements or other treatments for a child without professional medical advice.

Help your child feel confident

Your child’s identity is much bigger than vitiligo.

Encourage friendships, school participation, sport, hobbies and other activities. Let your child decide, where appropriate, whether they want to use camouflage or pursue treatment.

Most importantly, make sure your child knows:

Vitiligo does not make them less beautiful, less capable or less deserving of love and respect.

I need medical information

Reliable information can help you make informed decisions about your health.

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition characterised by loss of skin pigment. Because other conditions can also cause light or white patches, an accurate diagnosis is important. A dermatologist or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional can examine the skin and, when necessary, use tools such as a Wood’s lamp or recommend additional tests.

What would you like to know?

What is vitiligo?
Learn about the condition, its different forms, symptoms and what causes loss of pigmentation.

Is vitiligo contagious?
No. Vitiligo cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

What causes vitiligo?
Vitiligo is associated with an autoimmune process in which the immune system attacks melanocytes. The exact reasons why this happens are complex and involve genetic and environmental factors.

Can vitiligo affect other parts of the body?
Vitiligo primarily affects the skin but can also affect hair and, in some people, structures involving the eyes or ears. People with vitiligo also have a higher likelihood of some other autoimmune conditions, particularly thyroid disease. This does not mean that everyone with vitiligo will develop another autoimmune condition.

Does vitiligo affect mental wellbeing?
It can. Some people experience embarrassment, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or social difficulties. Psychological support should be considered when vitiligo is causing significant distress.

Where can I get diagnosed?
If you have unexplained white or light patches, seek assessment from a qualified healthcare professional rather than self-diagnosing.

Important

Information on this website is provided for education and awareness. It does not replace an examination, diagnosis or treatment plan from a qualified healthcare professional.

VISOKE does not recommend starting, stopping or changing prescription treatment based solely on information provided on this website.


I need emotional/peer support.

Vitiligo can affect how a person feels about their body, relationships and place in society. Some people experience embarrassment, anxiety, low self-esteem, sadness, anger or frustration. Others may experience little emotional difficulty at all.

There is no “correct” emotional response to vitiligo.

You do not have to deal with difficult feelings alone.

Talking can help

Speaking with someone who understands your experience can provide reassurance, practical ideas and a sense of connection.

Peer support can help people:

  • Feel less isolated.
  • Share experiences with others living with vitiligo.
  • Learn how others manage stigma and unwanted attention.
  • Discuss relationships, school and work experiences.
  • Exchange practical ideas about treatment and daily life.
  • Build confidence and resilience.

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that connecting with others who have vitiligo may help people feel less lonely, stressed or depressed.

When professional support may help

Peer support is valuable, but it is not a substitute for professional mental healthcare.

Consider speaking with a qualified psychologist, counsellor or other mental health professional if vitiligo is causing persistent or significant emotional distress, affecting relationships, interfering with daily activities or contributing to symptoms of anxiety or depression.

The British Association of Dermatologists recommends psychological assessment and appropriate psychological support for people experiencing significant distress related to vitiligo, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) where appropriate.

You are not alone

At VISOKE, we believe that living with vitiligo should not mean living in isolation.

We aim to create safe spaces where people affected by vitiligo can listen, share, learn and support one another without judgement.

I want to find a support group.

VISOKE is working to strengthen a connected community of people affected by vitiligo across Kenya.

Depending on location and availability, support may include:

In-person community meetings

Online meetings

Peer-support activities

Regional/community groups

Special activities for young people, parents and caregivers

I want to learn about treatment.

There is currently no cure for vitiligo, but several treatments can help restore lost skin colour and, in some people, reduce disease activity or the development of new patches.

Treatment works differently for different people. Some people choose treatment, while others choose to live with their natural skin appearance or use camouflage. The decision should be made together with a qualified healthcare professional based on your individual circumstances and preferences.

Common treatment approaches

Topical medicines

Prescription creams and ointments may be used to treat localised vitiligo.

These can include topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus. Because topical corticosteroids can cause skin thinning and other side effects when used inappropriately or for prolonged periods, they should be used according to a healthcare professional’s instructions.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy uses controlled ultraviolet light to stimulate repigmentation.

Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) is an established treatment option, particularly when vitiligo is extensive, progressive or has not responded adequately to topical treatment. Several treatment sessions are usually required, and treatment should be supervised according to an appropriate medical protocol.

Do not use unregulated home sunlamps or tanning devices as a substitute for medically supervised phototherapy.

Ruxolitinib cream

Ruxolitinib is a topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. In the United States, the FDA has approved ruxolitinib cream for nonsegmental vitiligo in adults and children aged 12 years and older, with specific limitations on how it is used.

Availability and regulatory approval differ between countries. Patients should therefore discuss whether this treatment is appropriate and legally available in their country with a qualified healthcare professional.

Surgical treatments

For carefully selected people with stable vitiligo that has not responded adequately to other treatments, specialist centres may consider procedures such as tissue or cellular grafting.

Surgical approaches are generally not suitable for actively spreading vitiligo and require specialist assessment.

Depigmentation

For a small number of adults with extensive vitiligo who have lost most of their natural pigmentation, permanent depigmentation may be considered to create a more uniform skin colour.

This is a major, generally irreversible decision and should only be considered after detailed discussion with an experienced dermatologist.

Camouflage

Camouflage makeup, self-tanners and skin dyes can help reduce the visibility of vitiligo without attempting to medically change the condition.

Choosing camouflage is entirely personal. Some people use it every day; others prefer to show their vitiligo.

What about vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies?

There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend a specific diet, vitamin, supplement or complementary therapy as a proven treatment for vitiligo. Be cautious of products that promise a cure or guaranteed repigmentation.

CLINICAL TRIALS IN KENYA

Clinuvel Clinical Trial at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi is one of the international sites participating in a Phase III clinical trial sponsored by Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals.Study name: CUV105
What is being studied: SCENESSE® (afamelanotide 16 mg implant) combined with narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy, compared with NB-UVB alone, for the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo.Key points:

  • Focuses on adolescents and adults (aged 12 years and older) with darker skin types (Fitzpatrick III–VI).
  • Aims to evaluate whether the combination improves repigmentation of the body and face, and how well any pigment is maintained after treatment ends.
  • Treatment period is approximately 20 weeks (followed by several months of follow-up).
  • The Kenya site at KNH was approved to recruit a limited number of participants (target of 10–20 patients from the hospital’s dermatology clinic).
  • Global recruitment of over 200 patients was completed in 2025. First results are expected in the second half of 2026.

Important notes for members:

  • Participation is voluntary and subject to strict eligibility criteria assessed by the study doctors.
  • The treatment under investigation is not yet approved for vitiligo.
  • For the most current status or possible future opportunities, contact the Dermatology Department at Kenyatta National Hospital or follow official updates from Clinuvel and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Kenya.

This information is provided for awareness only. VISOKE does not recruit for clinical trials. Always consult a qualified dermatologist for personal medical advice.

Before starting treatment

A qualified healthcare professional should assess:

  • Whether the diagnosis is correct.
  • The type and extent of vitiligo.
  • Whether the condition is stable or progressing.
  • Which areas of the body are affected.
  • Your age and general health.
  • The effect vitiligo is having on your quality of life.
  • Your treatment goals and preferences.
  • Potential benefits, risks and side effects.

Remember

There is no single treatment that works for everyone.

Treatment can take time, and repigmentation may vary between different parts of the body. Some people may require more than one treatment, and colour may be lost again after treatment stops.

Do not start, stop or change prescription treatment without discussing it with a qualified healthcare professional.

Medical Information Disclaimer

The health information provided by the Vitiligo Society of Kenya (VISOKE) is intended for general education and awareness. It is based, where possible, on information from recognised dermatology, medical and public-health authorities and evidence-based clinical guidance.

This information does not constitute medical diagnosis, treatment or individual medical advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

Treatment availability, licensing and clinical recommendations may differ between countries and may change over time. Always consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual condition, treatment options, medicines and potential side effects.

VISOKE does not endorse or recommend a specific medicine, product, clinic or treatment solely because it is mentioned on this website.