Vitiligo is a skin condition in which there is loss of pigment (color) from areas of skin, resulting in irregular white patches that feel like normal skin.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Vitiligo appears to be an acquired condition and may appear at any age. There is an increased rate of the condition in some families.
The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but autoimmunity may be a factor. Vitiligo is associated with three systemic diseases:
The condition affects about 1% of the United States population.
Symptoms:
Vitiligo is more noticeable in darker skinned people because of the contrast of white patches against dark skin.
There is a sudden or gradual appearance of flat areas of normal-feeling skin with complete pigment loss. Lesions appear as flat areas with no pigment and with a darker border. The edges are sharply defined but irregular.
Frequently affected areas are the face, elbows and knees, hands and feet, and genitalia.
Signs and tests:
Examination is usually sufficient to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be needed to rule out other causes of pigment loss. Your doctor may also perform blood tests to check the levels of thyroid or other hormones, and vitamin B12 levels.
Review Date: 7/27/2006
Reviewed By: Shlomit Halachmi, MD, PhD, Private Practice Specializing in Dermatology, Somerville, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Vitiligo
