Other Names:
Vitiligo

Symptoms:
This is a loss of skin color, especially in black or dark-skinned people. When occurring in Europeans, it is less likely to be noticed. It is most commonly seen as white patches, surrounded by a dark border.

Cause:
The skin is no longer producing melanin, the dark coloring pigment. It most frequently occurs to someone who has thyroid problems. Premature gray or white hair may also occur. All this points to a deficiency of certain B complex vitamins.

When treatment is effective, small spots of pigment will appear in the white patches, and then gradually fill in. But only a few experience a complete return to the original color.

Treatment:
• B complex supplementation, plus emphasis on two special B vitamins: Para-amino benzoic acid (PABA, 100 mg four times a day) and pantothenic acid. PABA injections may be needed. Also be sure and take hydrochloric acid if it is needed.

• Other helpful nutrients include vitamins A, B complex, B12, zinc, and copper.