Description The loss of 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 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
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
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.
Other Specific Tests: Vitamin B12, autoimmune blood tests, thyroid tests
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Rheumatology, Pediatric Dermatology, Telemedicine Dermatology
Workup:
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.
Other Specific Tests: Vitamin B12, autoimmune blood tests, thyroid tests
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Rheumatology, Pediatric Dermatology, Telemedicine Dermatology
Treatment
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.