Why do vitiligo spread?

The exact cause of vitiligo is still not fully understood. It is considered to be an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin (the pigment that gives color to the skin).

Here's a closer look at why vitiligo tends to spread overtime:

1. Ongoing Autoimmune Response: Vitiligo is characterized by an ongoing autoimmune reaction in which the body continues to produce antibodies that target and destroy melanocytes. This relentless assault on the melanocytes leads to the spread of white patches over time.

2. Koebner Phenomenon: The Koebner phenomenon refers to the triggering or aggravation of skin conditions, including vitiligo, due to physical trauma to the skin. This means that scratching, cuts, burns, or other forms of skin injuries can induce vitiligo patches to appear in the surrounding areas, leading to its spreading.

3. Genetic Predisposition: Vitiligo has a genetic component. While the exact genes involved are complex, it's believed that individuals who have a genetic predisposition to vitiligo may experience a more rapid spread of the condition compared to those without this predisposition.

4. Inflammatory Response: The destruction of melanocytes in vitiligo also provokes an inflammatory response within the skin. These inflammatory processes may further damage the melanocytes, contributing to the spreading nature of the condition.

5. Unpredictability of Disease Course: The progression and spreading of vitiligo can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience a gradual expansion of white patches over time, while others may have periods of disease stability or even repigmentation followed by subsequent spreading.

It's important to note that vitiligo is not contagious and does not spread from person to person. It is primarily an autoimmune-driven process confined within the individual's own body.