Living with vitiligo.(B SECTION)

Byline: PATTY ALLEN-JONES patty.allen-jones@heraldtribune.com

Classmates teased Francisco De Torres, of Sarasota, when a discoloration first appeared under his right eye then spread under his chin, the elbows, knees and legs.

Francisco, 11, has vitiligo, a skin disorder that strips the body of its pigmentation and leaves white patches. It surfaced about two years ago when he lived in Puerto Rico. There is no cure or known cause.

The children called Francisco "Michael Jackson," referring to the pop star who says that his much talked about change in skin color was vitiligo.

"I was nervous, but after having it for so long, I don't notice it …