Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Poliosis
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Poliosis is a condition in which there is a patch of white or gray hair in a person who has otherwise maintained their normal hair color. It is caused by a decrease or absence of the pigment melanin in hair follicles, leading to patches of white in the hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, or any other hairy area. Less commonly, the condition may cause multiple white patches in the hair. Some mistake these white patches for simple birthmarks. It is also known as poliosis circumscripta.