Vitiligo is a skin disorder that causes hypopigmented patches on the skin. The skin pigment, melanin, is deficient in these areas making the skin look white to light brown. It can affect only certain areas or it can be spread out through many areas in the body. Vitiligo should not be confused with albinism (albino skin) where melanin production is impaired and the entire body is affected from birth.

Other skin conditions may sometimes be confused with vitiligo. A yeast infection (skin fungus) known as pityriasis versicolor can affect the back, chest and face. This condition can be treated with antifungals. Pityriasis alba is form of eczema seen in children where the affected skin is pale in color. Vitiligo should also not be confused with leprosy,  although the latter also cause hypopigmentation of the skin – vitiligo and leprosy are two separate diseases.
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