Vitiligo is a relatively common disorder affecting melanocytes, resulting in depigmented, white patches of the skin. Vitiligo typically arises symmetrically in areas of frequent trauma, particularly on the face, upper chest, hands, elbows, knees, axillae, and perineum. It may also appear around orifices (eyes, nose, mouth, urethra, and anus). Prevalence is estimated to be between 0.5%-1%. While vitiligo can appear at any time from shortly after birth into adulthood, it frequently begins in childhood. Onset during infancy is rare. The natural course of the disease is slowly progressive and may have long periods of quiescence.

While the exact etiology is not known, many consider vitiligo to be an autoimmune disease in which the melanocyte is targeted. Genetic predisposition and trauma are other risk factors for vitiligo development. Other autoimmune diseases are observed more frequently in patients with vitiligo, including diabetes mellitus type 1, pernicious anemia, Hashimoto thyroiditis, Graves disease, Addison disease, and alopecia areata.

The segmental form of the disease, which presents as an asymmetric, frequently dermatomal, depigmented band, disproportionally affects children. This form of the disease is less likely to be associated with coexisting autoimmune phenomena.

Vitiligo has been associated with ocular (eg, uveitis) and cochlear abnormalities.