For a person affected by vitiligo, the first few white patches that appear on his skin can be quite tolerable. These patches usually appear in patterns. These patterns have three forms. One is the focal pattern wherein depigmentation occurs in a limited area. Second is the segmental pattern wherein patches appear only on one side of the body. Third, which is probably the worst one, is the generalized pattern wherein the depigmentation occurs in different areas of the body. Adding to this is the uncertainty of how the vitiligo will spread.

For some people, the white patches spread gradually while for some, in quick succession. Some findings say that emotional distress can cause the affected areas to increase in number. Common areas of appearance are the armpits, groin, around the mouth, eyes, nostril, navel, and genitals. A person with vitiligo may also have premature graying of the scalp hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard.

There are several treatments for vitiligo patients. There are medical therapies, surgical therapies, and adjunctive therapies. Under medical therapies are topical steroid therapy, topical psoralen photochemotherapy, oral psoralen photochemotherapy, and depigmentation. Surgical therapy, on the other hand, include skin grafts from a person's own tissue, skin grafts using blisters, micropigmentation or tattooing, and autologous melanocyte transplants.

Lastly, for adjunctive therapies, one can use sunscreens and cosmetics. To supplement these said therapies, one may opt take support vitamins.