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Vitiligo
	Darker-skinned people notice the contrast any time. Signs & Symptoms Common sites include: Exposed areas - face, neck, eyes, nostrils, nipples, navel, genitals Body folds - armpits, groin Sites of injury - cuts, scrapes, burns Surrounding pigmented moles Hair - early graying of the hair on the scalp Retina of the eyes The degree of pigment loss can vary within each patch. However, the majority of the time partial or complete repigmentation can be achieved. Camouflage makeup will help to hide the areas of depigmentation. If the skin is almost completely depigmented, removal of the remaining pigment may be preferred (by using bleaching agents.). Prognosis; Complications There is a 30% chance of spontaneous recovery. Those who have very severe pigment loss may lose color over their entire bodies (except for their eyes, which do not change color). There is no way to predict how much pigment an individual will lose. Illness and stress can result in more pigment loss. Even though most people with vitiligo are in good general health, they are at greater risk of: Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism Pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency) Addison's disease (decreased adrenal gland function) Alopecia areata (round patches of hair loss). The depigmentation commonly causes much concern and distress to the sufferer. Incidence; Causes & Development Vitiligo affects some 1% of the population and does not discriminate between sex, age or background. At least half the people who develop this skin disorder experience some pigment loss before they are 20 years old. About 20% of all vitiligo sufferers have other family members with it. The cause of vitiligo is not known. The age of onset and the severity of pigment loss differs from person to person. Light-skinned people notice the pigment loss more during the summer as the contrast between the vitiligous skin and the suntanned skin becomes more distinct.
Vitiligo is linked to:
	Megaloblastic Anemia / Pernicious Anemia