Vitiligo is a condition which causes skin to lose its pigment, resulting in white patches. This occurs because a person’s immune system attacks pigment cells, which are formally known as melanocytes.

There are two types of vitiligo

• non segmental
• segmental.

The former, which is more common, causes depigmentation in different places. The latter occurs only in one area.

Nobody knows for sure why this condition affects some but not others, although environmental and genetic factors are likely both at play. The majority of people who develop vitiligo see symptoms by their 20th birthday, although it can occur any age.

There are several treatments designed to reduce the appearance of white patches on the skin but early diagnosis and treatment is the key.