Vitiligo doesn’t affect everyone the same way. It may show up on different parts of the body or cover most of the body. The pale patches often stand out more on medium to dark skin and can vary in shape, size, and location. These spots may stay the same for a while or change over time.

Knowing what type of vitiligo you have can help you make sense of what’s happening with your skin. If you’ve been diagnosed with vitiligo, here’s what to know about the different ways it can appear.

Read more about causes and risk factors for vitiligo.

Nonsegmental Vitiligo

Nonsegmental vitiligo is the most common type of vitiligo. About 9 in 10 people with vitiligo have this type. In nonsegmental vitiligo, people have light patches of skin all over the body. The patches of skin that have lost pigment are called macules.

You’ll often see patches of discolored skin on the scalp, neck, or face or around areas like the mouth or nose. These pale or white patches — called depigmented skin — can appear anywhere and may be symmetrical, meaning they show up in the same places on both sides of the body.

Nonsegmental vitiligo is associated with other health conditions, including autoimmune and thyroid conditions. Autoimmune conditions happen when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy cells.

There are several subtypes of nonsegmental vitiligo.

Focal Vitiligo

If you’re diagnosed with focal vitiligo, it means you only have macules in certain locations on your body. These macules don’t spread to other areas of the body. You may need to pay close attention to your skin after you’re diagnosed to see if more patches develop over time.

Generalized Vitiligo

In generalized vitiligo, you’ll see macules in different places on your body. You may have a lot of patches or a few. There are several different types of generalized vitiligo.

Vitiligo Vulgaris

If your healthcare provider tells you that you have vitiligo vulgaris, it means that you have patches of depigmentation scattered widely across your body. These patches may not be close together. They may appear to have little to no connection at all.

The term “vulgaris” means “common.” Some doctors use “generalized vitiligo” and “vitiligo vulgaris” to describe the same condition, while others see vulgaris as a subtype of generalized vitiligo. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably by medical professionals.

Mucosal Vitiligo

If your dermatologist says you have mucosal vitiligo, it means you have macules on your mucous membranes. These membranes include those in the eyes, ears, mouth, throat, nostrils, genitals, and anus.

Acrofacial Vitiligo

If you have depigmented areas of skin on your fingertips, the tips of your toes, or around your mouth, your doctor may diagnose you with acrofacial vitiligo. You can have this alongside vitiligo in other areas, like your mucous membranes or anywhere on your body.

Universal Vitiligo

If more than 80 percent of the skin on your whole body has lost pigment, you’ll be diagnosed with universal vitiligo. This is very rare.

Trichrome Vitiligo

The patches of depigmented skin look different in trichrome vitiligo than in other types of vitiligo. The name trichrome refers to three colors. In this type of vitiligo, you might have a white spot of skin, surrounded by a ring that is slightly lighter than your normal skin tone.

Segmental Vitiligo

Segmental vitiligo usually affects just one side of the body. Segmental vitiligo is also called unilateral vitiligo or localized vitiligo.

About 1 in 10 people have segmental vitiligo, and it’s more common in children. Three in 10 children with vitiligo have segmental vitiligo. People with segmental vitiligo usually develop the condition as children or young adults. Unlike nonsegmental vitiligo, which can advance throughout a person’s life, segmental vitiligo usually progresses for a year or two and then stays constant.

Many people with segmental vitiligo also lose some amount of hair color on the head, eyelashes, or eyebrows. This type of vitiligo isn’t associated with any autoimmune diseases or thyroid conditions.

Drug-Induced Vitiligo

Drug-induced vitiligo (also called drug-induced leukoderma) is often caused by medications that change how the immune system works. These include immunomodulators, which help slow down or calm the immune system. Biologics are drugs made from living cells, and targeted therapies block certain parts of cells that help diseases grow.

If you have started one of these medications (or any medication with vitiligo as a possible side effect), look for small, white patches of skin that look kind of like confetti. They may grow fast, so talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

Read more about causes and risk factors for vitiligo.

Ask Your Doctor

Vitiligo can look different from person to person, and understanding the type you have can help you know what to expect. Talk with your doctor if you notice any new or changing patches of skin. Learning more about your condition is the first step in finding the right care and support.

Find Your Team

On MyVitiligoTeam, the social network for people with vitiligo and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with vitiligo.

Have you been diagnosed with vitiligo? Which type do you have? Share your thoughts and experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.