Vitiligo Skin Discoloration - what is it
Vitiligo is a skin condition which will show as light patches on the skin. Not only can it affect any area that has pigments - it also can develop as patches of white hair.
Vitiligo is not contagious or life-threatening but can have a phsycological effect on sufferes. It might affect a persons´self-esteem to the point of withdrawing themself from life and avoid to socialise. Vitiligo is caused to melanin-forming cells dying. Melanin gives the skin, hair and eyes their color - so if the cells stop producing pigments this creates the white patches.
It is not completely understood why these cells die. Reason can be a autoimune disease attacks the cells, sunburn, chemical reaction or by birth.