Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes white patches on the skin due to the loss of skin color. It can occur at any age and stage of life, and the rate of skin color loss is unpredictable. It can affect any area of the body, including the hairs and mouth. The color of hair and skin is determined by melanin, and vitiligo occurs when cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning.

Although it affects people of all skin types, it is more noticeable in people with brown or black skin. Treatment options include topical and oral medication, light therapy and surgery. However, treatment isn’t necessary, and many people choose not to treat it.