Noticing a new white patch on your skin can be confusing — even scary. For many people, that’s how vitiligo begins. One day, you see a patch of skin that looks different, and you’re not sure why it formed.

Vitiligo is a condition in which areas of the skin lose their color, leading to white patches. This happens when pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes, are damaged or destroyed. Learning about the risk factors and causes of vitiligo can help answer common questions such as:

• How do people get vitiligo?
• Is vitiligo hereditary?
• What causes vitiligo to spread?
• Can white people get vitiligo?

In this article, we’ll explore seven key factors that can contribute to how vitiligo starts and progresses. Understanding these details can help you feel more informed and better prepared to manage your skin condition.

1. Autoimmune Disorders

Vitiligo is often linked to other autoimmune disorders. An autoimmune disorder happens when the body’s immune system — which normally fights off germs — targets healthy cells. In people with vitiligo, the immune system attacks and destroys melanocytes. These are the skin cells that make melanin — the pigment responsible for hair, eye, and skin color.

Doctors still don’t fully understand why this happens or what exactly causes vitiligo. However, having one autoimmune disease can lead to an increased risk of developing another. About 15 percent to 25 percent of people diagnosed with vitiligo also have other autoimmune conditions, such as:

• Thyroid disease — A condition affecting the thyroid gland, which controls metabolism
• Type 1 diabetes — A disease where the body can’t make insulin, which regulates blood sugar
• Rheumatoid arthritis — A condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
• Psoriasis — A skin condition marked by red, scaly patches
• Lupus — A disease that can affect the skin, joints, and internal organs
• Addison’s disease — A disorder in which the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones
• Celiac disease — An immune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine
• Crohn’s disease — A chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract
• Ulcerative colitis — A disease causing inflammation and sores in the colon and rectum

2. Genetic Factors

Is vitiligo genetic? Sort of. This condition can run in families, but not everyone with a family history will get it. Researchers estimate that 5 percent to 20 percent of people with vitiligo have a close relative, like a parent or sibling, who also has it.

Vitiligo isn’t inherited in a simple way, like eye color. However, scientists have identified more than 30 genes that may play a role. These genes help regulate the immune system and support the growth and survival of melanocytes.

Two key genes linked to vitiligo are NLRP1 and PTPN22. These genes help control inflammation and manage immune cell activity. Variants (changes) in these genes may make it harder for the immune system to calm down after reacting to a trigger. As a result, it may keep attacking healthy cells — including melanocytes.

3. Environmental Triggers

So, what triggers vitiligo? Researchers believe that a mix of genetic and environmental factors causes this skin condition. If you have a family history or certain gene changes, something in your environment may trigger your immune system to attack your melanocytes, leading to white patches of skin.

When your skin is injured or under stress, your body may mistakenly attack pigment cells, causing depigmentation (loss of pigment) in that area. This can result in new or expanding white patches. In some cases, chemical exposure — especially to substances such as phenols or monobenzone found in some dyes, cosmetics, and industrial products — may trigger vitiligo.

Other common environmental triggers include emotional or psychological stress, skin trauma, and severe sunburn or long-term sun exposure. These risk factors are discussed in greater detail below.

4. Ethnic Background

People of all skin tones and ethnic backgrounds can develop vitiligo. However, the white patches may be more noticeable on darker skin than lighter skin because of the higher contrast.

Although anyone can get vitiligo, research shows that it’s more common in certain parts of the world. The highest reported rates are in India, where up to 8 in 100 people may be affected. Vitiligo is also common in parts of the Middle East and North Africa. In the United States, about 1 in 100 people have vitiligo. Some studies suggest that the highest rates occur in older Hispanic/Latino adults.

People from certain ethnic backgrounds may have a higher genetic susceptibility (a greater chance of developing vitiligo due to inherited traits) or be more affected by other risk factors. Vitiligo isn’t contagious and has nothing to do with personal hygiene.

5. Psychological Stress

Psychological stress is how your body and mind respond to difficult life events, such as losing a loved one, facing money problems, or going through a breakup. Although stress doesn’t directly cause vitiligo, studies suggest it may play a role in triggering it or making it worse.

In several studies, more than half of the people who developed vitiligo reported going through a stressful life event before their first white patches appeared. Children may be affected in similar ways. In one study, over half of the children with new or worsening vitiligo had experienced stressful events, such as starting a new school or dealing with family problems at home.

Not every person with vitiligo can point to a specific stressful trigger. Still, finding healthy ways to manage stress — like counseling, support groups, or relaxation techniques — may help. Stress management won’t cure vitiligo, but it may improve your quality of life. Talk with a dermatologist (skin specialist) or mental health provider if you need support managing stress.

6. Skin Trauma

If you have vitiligo or are at risk, protecting your skin is one of the most important steps you can take. Skin trauma can act as a trigger, causing new white patches or making symptoms worse.

Even small injuries like cuts, scrapes, or repeated rubbing from tight clothing can lead to new depigmented spots. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon, in which injured skin loses melanocytes and eventually turns white. People with non-segmental vitiligo (the most common type of vitiligo) are especially likely to experience this response.

7. Sunburn or Repeated Sun Exposure

Sunburn is another known trigger for vitiligo. When skin is damaged by the sun, the immune system may mistakenly attack pigment cells in that area. This can cause vitiligo to spread. In some cases, a single bad sunburn has led to the first appearance of vitiligo.

To protect your skin, healthcare providers recommend avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours and wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it's cloudy. Sunscreen helps prevent further depigmentation and shields areas of skin that no longer produce melanin. Wearing sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses adds another layer of defense against ultraviolet rays.

Although protecting your skin won’t reverse vitiligo, it may help slow its spread and support other treatment options your doctor recommends.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyVitiligoTeam, the social network and support group 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.

Are you or a loved one living with vitiligo? Have you and your healthcare provider discussed possible risk factors? Share your experiences in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.