Vitiligo (loss of skin pigment)
About Vitiligo (loss of skin pigment)
The loss of pigmentation in patches of the skin. It can affect persons of any race or ethnic group, and often occurs on the skin on the back of the hands, face and armpits. The loss of pigmentation is caused by the destruction of melanocytes that produce the pigment in the skin. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that can be hereditary.Symptoms
Sudden or gradual appearance of skin with complete pigment loss. The edges are sharply defined but irregular. The pigment loss is most frequently seen on the face, elbows, knees, hands, feet, and genitalia.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests will be done to establish the diagnosis and rule out other causes of the disorder.Conventional treatment summary
Vitiligo is difficult to treat. Treatment options include: exposure to intense ultraviolet light (narrow-band UVB therapy), trimethyl psoralen (Trisoralen), skin grafting, and/or cosmetic skin dyes.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Rheumatology · Dermatology · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Pediatric Rheumatology · Pediatric Dermatology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Vitiligo (loss of skin pigment).