Vitiligo causes the skin to lose color. Patches of lighter skin appear. Some people develop a few patches. Others lose much more skin color.
 
Vitiligo usually affects the skin, but it can develop anywhere we have pigment. Patches of hair can turn white. Some people lose color inside their mouths. People of all races and ethnicities get vitiligo.
 
Vitiligo is not contagious. It is not life-threatening. But, vitiligo can be life-altering. Some people develop low self-esteem, no longer want to hang out with friends or develop serious depression. Most people have vitiligo for life, so it’s important to develop coping strategies.
 
If you have vitiligo, you can make an appointment to discuss treatment with your dermatologist. There are many treatment options that aim to restore lost skin color.