Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color, resulting in white spots or patches. The condition can affect any part of the body, and the discolored areas usually get bigger with time. Vitiligo occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the melanocytes, which are the skin cells that make pigment. The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, but it may be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some people may be more likely to develop vitiligo if they have a family history of the disorder or other autoimmune diseases. Vitiligo is not contagious and does not spread from person to person through physical contact. Although there is no cure for vitiligo, treatment may restore color to the affected skin. However, treatment does not prevent continued loss of skin color or a recurrence.