Vitiligo is the presence of white patches in parts of skin. The white patches occur as a result of lack of the coloring pigment Melanin. Melanocytes are the cells which produce Melanin.
Vitiligo may not be a life threatening condition, but it is a cosmetic problem. Unfortunately, it is also a cause of social embarassment. Though not a contagious disease, many ignorant people may believe so, and refrain from touching affected people.
All this together with the fear of being called "ugly", can result in severe loss of confidence and self-esteem, inferiority complex and, in extreme cases, even Depression.
