What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a skin pigmentation disorder in which the color producing cells of the skin (melanocytes) are destroyed, and therefore stop produce skin color. As these cells die off, white patches appear on the face and body.  The cause of vitiligo isn't known, but one theory suggests that the body attacks itself and kills off the melanocytes.

Some people report a sudden onset of Vitiligo and link it to extreme emotional or physical stress. This has not been well documented thus far.

Vitiligo is estimated to impact about 40-50 million people, and often shows up before the sufferer's 40th birthday. It impacts all races and genders equally. It may have a hereditary component, as it tends to run in families.

It is somewhat more common in those with other autoimmune diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, pernicious anemia, alopecia areata, and adrenocortical insufficiency.