A disease in which small or large areas of skin lose their pigment and become white because of a reduction in the body's production of MELANIN. The hair may be similarly affected. Probably a consequence of an autoimmune mechanism, vitiligo is associated with other autoimmune diseases such as thyroiditis (see THYROID GLAND, DISEASES OF) and ADDISON'S DISEASE. The vitiliginous skin must be protected from sunburn and certain camouflage cosmetics are available (and prescribable on the NHS under certain conditions).