Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition that causes loss of skin color in patches. The discolored areas usually get bigger with time and can affect any part of the body. The lack of melanin, which is the pigment in skin, causes the affected skin to appear lighter than the surrounding skin. The condition can affect people of any race or sex, but it is more visible in people with darker skin tones.

The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder. In this type of disease, the immune system attacks and destroys the melanocytes, which are the skin cells that make pigment. Vitiligo can also be triggered by certain events, such as skin damage, hormonal changes, and stress.

Symptoms of vitiligo include patchy loss of skin color, premature whitening or graying of the hair, and loss of color in the tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose. The depigmented patches can appear anywhere on the body and can affect the skin, hair, and eyes. Vitiligo does not cause discomfort to the skin, but the patches may occasionally be itchy.

Treatment for vitiligo may restore color to the affected skin, but it doesnt prevent continued loss of skin color or a recurrence. Treatment options include topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and phototherapy. In some cases, skin grafting or tattooing may be recommended.