Not really. In few patients depigmentation is limited to one or only a few areas of body. Some times depigmented patches develop on only one side of the body. In the majority of the patients depigmentation occurs symmetrically on both sides of the body. It slowly continues to spread and in few patients it may cover the entire body. In addition to white patches on the skin, people with vitiligo may have premature graying of the scalp hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard. People with dark skin may notice a loss of color inside their mouths.

The main goal of treating vitiligo is to improve appearance. Therapy for vitiligo takes a long time-it needs to be continued for 6 to 18 months or more. The choice of therapy depends on the number of white patches; their location, sizes, and activity - that is whether it is spreading to other parts of the body or are stable. Each patient responds differently to therapy, and a particular treatment may not work for everyone. Current treatment options for vitiligo include medical, surgical, and adjunctive therapies (therapies that can be used along with surgical or medical treatments).