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Vitiligo - Overview

Definition of Vitiligo:

Vitiligo is a skin condition in which there is loss of pigment (color) from areas of skin, resulting in irregular white patches that feel like normal skin.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Vitiligo appears to be an acquired condition and may appear at any age. There is an increased rate of the condition in some families.

The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but autoimmunity may be a factor. Vitiligo is associated with three systemic diseases:

The condition affects about 1% of the United States population.

  • Reviewed last on: 7/11/2008
  • Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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