DefinitionVitiligo 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 factorsVitiligo 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:Pernicious anemiaHyperthyroidismAddison's diseaseThe condition affects about 1% of the United States population.SymptomsVitiligo is more noticeable in darker skinned people because of the contrast of white patches against dark skin.There is a sudden or gradual appearance of flat areas of normal-feeling skin with complete pigment loss. Lesions ap