Vitiligo (Loss Of Skin Pigment)
Description
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 melnaocytes that produce the pigment in the skin. The cause of this destruction is not known. The disorder can be hereditary and is frequently associated with autoimmune diseases.
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
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.
Treatment
Vitiligo is difficult to treat. Treatment options include: exposure to intense ultraviolet light (narrow-band UVB therapy), trimethylpsoralen (Trisoralen), skin grafting, and/or cosmetic skin dyes.
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