Final answer:
Vitiligo is a condition where individuals lose their melanocytes in certain areas, which prevents melanin production, leading to white patches on the skin. It impacts about 1% of the population and, while not life-threatening, it requires management to address symptoms related to UV sensitivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vitiligo is a condition characterized by the loss of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, which gives color to our skin. This condition manifests as depigmented, or white, patches on the skin and is known to affect about 1% of the population. Unlike albinism, which is a genetic disorder that affects the entire body's pigmentation, vitiligo tends to cause irregular white patches, and its exact cause is often associated with an autoimmune reaction. Both conditions do not directly affect the lifespan of an individual but require management to address symptoms such as sensitivity to UV radiation and increased risk for skin conditions like skin cancer. Vitiligo is particularly noticeable on darker skin, as the contrast between pigmented and depigmented skin is more pronounced.