Any part of the body may be affected. In half of sufferers, pigment loss begins before the age of 20. In one fifth, other family members also have vitiligo.
Melanin is the pigment that determines the colour of skin, hair, and eyes.
It is produced in cells called melanocytes. If melanocytes cannot form melanin or if their number decreases, skin colour will become progressively lighter. Other causes of white skin include severe trauma, burns, and deep skin infections. Cause The cause of vitiligo is not known. It sometimes follows physical injury such as sunburn, or emotional stress.