Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the
skin. It's caused by the lack of melanin, a pigment in the skin.
Generally, the diagnosis can be accurately made during a physical examination without the benefit of any further laboratory support.
It is important to distinguish vitiligo from a variety of other skin conditions in which pigment loss (leukoderma) may be a part.
Some of these conditions are present at birth and may have a well established genetic cause, like albinism.
Others may have easily treated infectious etiology, like the fungusinfection tinea versicolor.
Occasionally, in order to distinguish these disorders, it may be necessary to perform a skin biopsy.
Generally, the diagnosis can be accurately made during a physical examination without the benefit of any further laboratory support.
It is important to distinguish vitiligo from a variety of other skin conditions in which pigment loss (leukoderma) may be a part.
Some of these conditions are present at birth and may have a well established genetic cause, like albinism.
Others may have easily treated infectious etiology, like the fungusinfection tinea versicolor.
Occasionally, in order to distinguish these disorders, it may be necessary to perform a skin biopsy.
