dermatologic disorders
Vitiligo
Symptoms and Signs of Vitiligo
Vitiligo is characterized by hypopigmented or depigmented areas, usually sharply demarcated and often symmetric. Depigmentation may be localized, involving 1 or 2 spots or entire body segments (segmental vitiligo); rarely, it may be generalized, involving most of the skin surface (universal vitiligo). However, vitiligo most commonly involves the face (especially around the orifices), digits, dorsal hands, flexor wrists, elbows, knees, shins, dorsal ankles, armpits, inguinal area, anogenital area, umbilicus, and nipples. Cosmetic disfigurement can be especially severe and emotionally devastating in dark-skinned patients. Hair in vitiliginous areas is usually white. This photo shows focal vitiligo of the foot. Image provided by Thomas Habif, MD. © Springer Science+Business Media Image courtesy of Karen McKoy, MD. The cosmetic disfigurement shown in this photo is significant. © Springer Science+Business Media Image courtesy of Karen McKoy, MD. © Springer Science+Business Media © Springer Science+Business Media © Springer Science+Business Media © Springer Science+Business Media Hair in vitiliginous areas is usually white. © Springer Science+Business Media 