Vitiligo (pronounced vit-ill-EYE-go) is a skin condition characterized by the gradual loss of pigment in certain areas of the skin, and sometimes in the hair above those areas. This occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing skin pigment—resulting in white patches that can appear anywhere on the body.
Although vitiligo is a lifelong condition with an unpredictable course, it is neither harmful to overall health nor contagious. With a proper diagnosis, an individualized treatment plan, and regular follow-up care, it is often possible to manage the condition effectively and reduce the visibility of white patches.