Milky white patches on skin that feels normal is more noticeable in dark-skinned people because of the contrast in skin color. However, vitiligo can occur in any race and at any age, more commonly between 10 and 30 years.
Loss of pigmentation of the skin (depigmentation) occurs initially on sun-exposed areas but may spread rapidly or gradually to other areas including the back, armpits, and genitals. Depigmentation may occur in a focal, segmental, or generalized pattern, affecting small or large areas of skin.
Affected individuals do feel any other symptoms or discomfort related to the skin changes except for premature graying of the hair, eyebrows, eyelashes,or beard and depigmentation of the inner lining of the mouth.
In some people, loss of skin color may halt or slow down for some time, but the original skin color does not come back. However, in a few, skin color may return without treatment.