Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterized by the loss of pigmentation, resulting in white patches on various parts of the body. This occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, are destroyed or malfunction, leading to depigmentation. The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, autoimmune, and environmental factors.

The condition can affect any part of the skin but is most commonly seen on the face, hands, and areas around body openings. Vitiligo can also affect hair and the inside of the mouth. The extent and rate of color loss from vitiligo are unpredictable and vary from person to person.

Treatment for vitiligo aims to restore skin color and improve appearance, though complete repigmentation is often difficult to achieve. Therapies include topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors to reduce inflammation and stimulate melanocyte function. Light-based treatments, such as narrowband UVB therapy and excimer laser therapy, can promote repigmentation in some patients. In severe cases, depigmentation of unaffected skin may be considered to achieve a more uniform appearance. parasites.