Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment, resulting in white patches on the skin. This occurs when the cells that produce melanin, called melanocytes, are destroyed or stop functioning. Vitiligo can affect any area of the body, including the face, hands, and hair, and it can occur in people of all skin types. The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an autoimmune response, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. While there is no cure, treatments such as topical medications and light therapy may help restore some color to the affected areas.