Vitiligo is a skin disease of unknown origin that results in the formation of white patches due to loss of pigment. It usually causes melanocyte destruction in the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, inner ear, and hair bulbs. However, any part of the body is susceptible to the disease and usually both sides of the body are affected.
Melanocytes produce melanin, a pigment that determines skin, eye, and hair color.
The loss of melanocytes causes partially lightened or completely whitened skin. Consequently, the affected organ experiences malfunction and skin disfigurement. It is a frequently progressive disease and afflicts members of both sexes and all ethnic origins. Patients who are affected are usually of generally good health. Twenty percent of patients who develop vitiligo also have at least one family member with the condition.