Vitiligo is a relatively common skin condition in which patches of the skin lose all pigmentation (color) and become milky-white. Lack of pigmentation may also occur in the hair and mucous membranes (e.g., inside the mouth). The condition is usually progressive, with existing patches of white skin expanding over time and new patches forming. The progression may be rapid or gradual. Vitiligo can occur anywhere on the body. It is usually widespread and scattered, but may be localized.

The white patches of vitiligo occur when melanocytes (cells that produce melanin, the substance responsible for skin color) in the skin either disappear or stop working. It is not known why this happens. The most prevalent theory is that vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder, where antibodies (cells that normally fight infection) attack and kill melanocytes. There may be a genetic link to vitiligo.

The white patches of vitiligo may occur anywhere on the body, but they are more common in certain areas (e.g., face, hands, upper arms or legs, genitals). Vitiligo usually shows no other signs or symptoms. However, it may be associated with certain autoimmune diseases (e.g., high or low levels of thyroid hormones).

Vitiligo is usually diagnosed by a physician from the patient’s medical history and a physical examination. Other tests are not usually necessary, but a skin biopsy and blood test may be used to rule out certain other conditions.

The goal of treatment is to stop patch expansion and to repigment existing patches. Phototherapy is the most common and effective treatment. Other methods include topical corticosteroids, bleaching the normal skin to match the white patches (only in very excessive vitiligo) and transplantation of the patient’s own tissue into the patches. Vitiligo patches may also be masked by cosmetics, stains and tattoos.