What is vitiligo? Vitiligo is a skin disorder of melanin pigment. Melanin is a pigment that attributes color to our skin. In case of death of melanin-producing cells, also called melanocytes or decreased cell function, the skin starts to lose the color in blotches or patches. This produces uneven skin color and it may be unappealing and cause self-image issues.  When there is a lack of melanocytes( cells producing melanin pigment) in the skin layer, the skin shows loss in color, usually in patches/blotches. This loss of skin color may begin with the hands, feet, arms and typically anywhere on the body. Vitiligo is seen more often in black or brown-skinned people.  My paternal aunt has vitiligo and I have seen her skin is discolored and has blotches all over her body. The discoloration may spread rapidly towards the lips around the mouth and nasal lining, hair and scalp, etc. It tends to increase with age.  Vitiligo can start from childhood or between 20-30 years of ...