The loss of pigment from hairs in the eyelash area accentuates the color loss of vitiligo. In fair skin patients, vitiligo can be subtle. The total loss of pigment cells make these patients high risk for sunburn within the affected areas. This image displays areas of complete absence of skin pigment typical of vitiligo. This image displays one spot of lightened pigment due to vitiligo. In people with darker skin, the areas of pigment loss in vitiligo are quite distinct. This image displays a patient with vitiligo that affects his beard area and the area around his lips. This image displays vitiligo on the backs of feet. This image displays an almost total pigment loss in a patient with vitiligo. Vitiligo is an auto-immune condition that results in flat areas of pigment loss. Fingers are a common location. The pigment loss in this woman with vitiligo forms an irregular patch.
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Vitiligo  Information for adults

Picture of Vitiligo: The loss of pigment from hairs in the eyelash area accentuates the color loss of vitiligo. Divider line
The loss of pigment from hairs in the eyelash area accentuates the color loss of vitiligo.
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Overview
Vitiligo is a disease where the immune system turns against itself (autoimmune disease) where immune cells of the body attack the color-producing (pigment-producing) cells to cause white patches on the skin, which may contain hairs that are white in color. It may be seen with other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease, alopecia areata, diabetes mellitus, Addison disease, and myasthenia gravis. The way that vitiligo progresses varies greatly; it may remain in the area where it started (localized) or it may become more widespread.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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