Vitiligo is a condition in which pigment cells (melanocytes) of the skin are destroyed in certain areas, leading to fading of the skin in patchy areas.
Signs and symptoms of vitiligo include a
- patchy loss of skin color, which usually first appears on the hands, face, and areas around body openings and the genitals;
- premature whitening or graying of the hair on the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard; and
- loss of color in the tissues that line mouth and nose (mucous membranes).
The severity can vary among affected people.
Cause of vitiligo
The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, although it is believed to be an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly destroys certain cells within the body.
Other vitiligo symptoms and signs
- Loss of Color in the Tissues That Line Mouth and Nose (Mucous Membranes)
- Patchy Loss of Skin Color, Which Usually First Appears on the Hands, Face, and Areas Around Body Openings and the Genitals
- Premature Whitening or Graying of the Hair on the Scalp, Eyelashes, Eyebrows, or Beard
Pictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
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Picture of Vitiligo (Neck)Vitiligo. This photo shows a large patch of vitiligo on the back neck of a child. These types of white patches develop after skin...
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Picture of Vitiligo on BackVitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which the pigment forming cells known as melanocytes are injured, resulting in white...
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Picture of Vitiligo: HairA condition in which the skin turns white due to the loss of pigment from the melanocytes, cells that produce the pigment melanin...
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Picture of Vitiligo: Punch GraftsVitiligo is a common acquired disorder of skin pigmentation characterized by localized loss of skin pigment secondary to...