The four “white” colors of vitiligo represent different pigment loss degrees (mild, moderate and severe). How to distinguish them accurately?

 The four “white” colors of vitiligo represent different pigment loss degrees (mild, moderate and severe). How to distinguish them accurately?

Vitiligo is a skin depigmentation disease characterized by the appearance of white patches. Although "white" is the main color of vitiligo, the color of the patches can actually be divided into four categories, and the color of different color types of white patches is closely related to the severity of the disease, so the more suitable treatment methods can be better selected.

Four types of “whiteness” in vitiligo:

The color difference of white spots is closely related to the severity of the disease. The white patches are divided into four types according to their color below. The whiter, purer and brighter the white patches are, the more severe the loss of melanin and the more serious the disease.

1. Light White

Light vitiligo is slightly whiter than normal skin. This is the early stage of vitiligo. There is mild depigmentation of the skin, but there is still a large amount of melanin in the white patches.

2. Milk White

Milk white patches are similar in color to milk and contrast more significantly with normal skin color. In this case, the degree of damage to melanocyte cell function is 20% to 30%, and it may spread if not treated in time.

3. Cloudy White

Cloudy white white patches are deepper in color, similar to white clouds, and are in sharp contrast with the surrounding skin. This is a severe depigmentation condition in which the function of some melanocytes is severely compromised, leaving only a small amount of melanin remaining in the white patches.

4. Porcelain White

The porcelain white patches are almost pure white. At this time, the melanocytes cells in the white pathces area have been severely damaged, and have even degenerated, atrophied, and died, losing all functions, resulting in complete loss of pigment.

What should I do if it is difficult to judge with the naked eye?

Due to individual differences in basic skin color and color discrimination abilities, it is difficult to accurately judge the severity of white patches with the naked eye. However, there are devices we can use to make an accurate diagnosis.

1. Wood's Lamp: Convenient Vitiligo Detection Device

Wood's lamp, also known as filtered UV lamp. By using Wood's lamp to illuminate the affected area, the reflections of different colors can help us better observe the white patches.

- Detection speed: visible results instantly

- Detection accuracy: used to identify vitiligo and screen for hidden white patches

2. Three-dimensional RCM skin scan: a highly accurate means of detecting vitiligo

Skin three-dimensional RCM scan generates three-dimensional data by measuring information such as skin texture, ultraviolet spots, micro blood vessels, and pigmentation, and converts it into images.

- Testing speed: results will be obtained in about 5 minutes

- Detection accuracy: It can accurately detect the loss of melanocytes, and classify the (1) types, (2) stages, and the (3) pigment loss degree.

During clinical consultation, many patients delay treatment due to misdiagnosis. With the help of these scientific instruments, we can accurately diagnose vitiligo and take more targeted treatment measures. So the effect of treatment will be more obvious, the course of treatment is shorter, and the repigmentation effect is better!

Remember to consult your doctor before undergoing any treatment so that you can receive professional guidance and a personalized treatment plan. Early and accurate diagnosis of vitiligo and selection of appropriate treatments based on the severity of the disease are key to restoring normal color to the skin especially on the hands.