Piebaldism is a condition characterized by the absence of cells
called melanocytes in certain areas of the skin and hair.
Melanocytes produce the pigment melanin, which contributes to
hair, eye, and skin color. The absence of melanocytes leads to
patches of skin and hair that are lighter than normal.
Approximately 90 percent of affected individuals have a white
section of hair near their front hairline (a white forelock).
The eyelashes, the eyebrows, and the skin under the forelock may
also be unpigmented. People with piebaldism usually have other
unpigmented patches of skin, typically appearing symmetrically
on both sides of the body. There may be spots or patches of
pigmented skin within or around the borders of the unpigmented
areas. In most cases, the unpigmented areas are present at birth
and do not increase in size or number. The unpigmented patches
are at increased risk of sunburn and skin cancer related to
excessive sun exposure. Some people with piebaldism are self-
conscious about the appearance of t