Photo: Chris F

What is it called when a person skin is black and white?

Vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin — the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes color. The involved patches of skin become lighter or white. It's unclear exactly what causes these pigment cells to fail or die.

mayoclinic.org - Vitiligo - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

What happens if you leave sperm on your skin?

While semen may contain ingredients that can benefit skin, the small quantity of these ingredients is unlikely to provide any benefit. Putting...

Last updated Apr 20, 2022

Is Tuna OK for kidney disease?

Tuna is kidney-friendly and an inexpensive source of protein. Make homemade tuna salad with yogurt instead of mayo and throw it into a pita for a...

Last updated Sep 9, 2021

Promotion

Overview

Vitiligo (vit-ih-LIE-go) is a disease that causes loss of skin color in patches. The discolored areas usually get bigger with time. The condition can affect the skin on any part of the body. It can also affect hair and the inside of the mouth. Normally, the color of hair and skin is determined by melanin. Vitiligo occurs when cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning. Vitiligo affects people of all skin types, but it may be more noticeable in people with brown or Black skin. The condition is not life-threatening or contagious. It can be stressful or make you feel bad about yourself. Treatment for vitiligo may restore color to the affected skin. But it doesn't prevent continued loss of skin color or a recurrence.

Symptoms

Vitiligo signs include:

Patchy loss of skin color, which usually first appears on the hands, face, and areas around body openings and the genitals Premature whitening or graying of the hair on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or beard Loss of color in the tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose (mucous membranes)

Vitiligo can start at any age, but usually appears before age 30.

Depending on the type of vitiligo you have, it may affect:

Nearly all skin surfaces. With this type, called universal vitiligo, the discoloration affects nearly all skin surfaces. With this type, called universal vitiligo, the discoloration affects nearly all skin surfaces. Many parts of the body. With this most common type, called generalized vitiligo, the discolored patches often progress similarly on corresponding body parts (symmetrically). With this most common type, called generalized vitiligo, the discolored patches often progress similarly on corresponding body parts (symmetrically). Only one side or part of the body. This type, called segmental vitiligo, tends to occur at a younger age, progress for a year or two, then stop. This type, called segmental vitiligo, tends to occur at a younger age, progress for a year or two, then stop. One or only a few areas of the body. This type is called localized (focal) vitiligo. This type is called localized (focal) vitiligo. The face and hands. With this type, called acrofacial vitiligo, the affected skin is on the face and hands, and around body openings, such as the eyes, nose and ears. It's difficult to predict how this disease will progress. Sometimes the patches stop forming without treatment. In most cases, pigment loss spreads and eventually involves most of the skin. Occasionally, the skin gets its color back.

When to see a doctor

What do girls like in men?

When a man is honest and trustworthy, he instantly becomes more appealing and desirable to a woman. If he's dependable, truthful, genuine, and...

Last updated Oct 20, 2022

Why are red onions better raw?

Eating red onions in their natural raw state could keep your body healthy on a daily basis and prevent chronic disease in the long term. Why?...

Last updated Jun 20, 2019

Promotion

See your health care provider if areas of your skin, hair or mucous membranes lose coloring. Vitiligo has no cure. But treatment might stop or slow the discoloring process and return some color to your skin. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry

Causes

Skin layers and melanin Open pop-up dialog box Close Skin layers and melanin Skin layers and melanin Melanin is a natural pigment that gives your skin its color. It's produced in cells called melanocytes. Vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin — the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes color. The involved patches of skin become lighter or white. It's unclear exactly what causes these pigment cells to fail or die. It may be related to:

A disorder of the immune system (autoimmune condition)

Family history (heredity)

A trigger event, such as stress, severe sunburn or skin trauma, such as contact with a chemical

Complications

People with vitiligo may be at increased risk of:

mayoclinic.org - Vitiligo - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

What are the 3 abnormal skin colors?

Some skin color changes associated with illness: Purple or bluish skin: This can be is a sign of cyanosis. ... Pale skin: This can be a sign of...

Last updated Jan 11, 2022

What no one tells you about night sweats?

Menopause, low blood sugar, and fever can cause night sweats. So can certain medications, including antidepressants and steroids. If your clothing...

Last updated May 31, 2022

Promotion

Are almonds good for prostate?

Nuts such as walnuts and almonds contain vitamin E and calcium which are known to prevent prostate cancer. Best way to consume: The best part is...

Last updated May 25, 2021

Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »

Promotion

What to eat after waking up?

Food as Fuel: 10 Things to Eat on Tired Mornings Avocado. Avocados are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that give our body energy...

Last updated Jun 20, 2019