What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a disease that causes patches of skin to lose skin color. Skin cells called melanocytes produce skin pigment, called melanin. In people with vitiligo, the melanocytes are destroyed and cannot produce melanin. Once the cells no longer produce melanin, the affected areas lose color or turn white.
Areas of lost pigment can develop anywhere on your body, including:
- sun-exposed areas like the hands, feet, arms, and face
- inside the mouth or other mucus membranes
- nostrils
- genitals
- back of the eye
- within the hearing system of the ear
- hair in the areas involved
Vitiligo is not contagious. A person with vitiligo cannot transmit it to someone else.
My personal experience is the topic of my Blog post, “Vitiligo and Me.” Check it out.
If you’re looking for more information and support, here are a few options:
