Vitiligo, also known as leukoderma, is a long-term skin disorder characterized by pigment loss in regions of skin. The damaged skin areas become white and generally have sharp borders. The skin’s hair may become white as well. The interior of the mouth and nose may be affected as well. In most cases, both sides of the body are affected. Often, the patches appear on regions of skin that have been exposed to sunlight. People with dark complexion are more prone to it. As with other skin disorders, vitiligo may cause psychological distress.

It is uncertain what causes vitiligo. It is thought to be owing to a hereditary vulnerability that is activated by an environmental stimulus, resulting in an autoimmune illness. As a consequence, skin pigment cells are destroyed. A family history of the disorder, as well as other autoimmune conditions such as hyperthyroidism, alopecia areata, and pernicious anemia, are risk factors. It is
not contagious. There are two forms of vitiligo: segmental and non-segmental. The majority of instances are non-segmental, meaning they affect both sides, and the afflicted region of the skin often grows with time.

There is currently no treatment for vitiligo. For people with fair complexion, sunscreen and cosmetics are usually all that is required.