What is Vitiligo and What Causes It?

Vitiligo is a depigmenting disorder caused by the loss of melanocytes, the cells that make pigment. It is not uncommon occurring in about 1% of the population. More people have it than you might expect since it is not as apparent in fair people. There are both familial forms and nonfamilial forms. Vitiligo is an auto-immune disease which means that the body is producing antibodies which are attacking the melanocytes. Thus, it is associated with a number of other auto-immune... more