What Does Vitiligo Mean
Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition in which patches of skin lose their pigment. The word vitiligo refers to the appearance of irregular, often symmetrical, white patches on the skin.
Vitiligo Causes and Symptoms
The condition occurs when melanocytes, the cells that give skin its color, are destroyed or stop functioning. Common symptoms include depigmented patches on the hands, face, and other areas, and sometimes premature whitening of hair.
Vitiligo Overview and Outlook
Vitiligo is not contagious and is not directly life-threatening, but it can affect quality of life. Treatments such as topical medications, light therapy, and surgery may help restore color in some cases. For more details, visit National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
