Are skin white patches the same as vitiligo?

Release time：2016-10-12

Are skin white patches the same as vitiligo? The hallmark of vitiligo is localized depigmentation. In clinical practice, this loss of skin pigmentation is referred to as… " Hypopigmentation " There are many conditions that present with hypopigmentation; the most common include the following:

　　 (1) Albinism is a hereditary disorder that manifests from early childhood. It is characterized by pale skin, white or light‑yellow hair, and a lack of pigmentation in the eyes, accompanied by photophobia.

　　 (2) Nevus anemicus also manifests from early childhood and commonly occurs on the face, neck, trunk, or other body sites. Its borders do not show increased pigmentation. When the affected area is tapped or rubbed, the pale macule itself does not redden, whereas the surrounding skin becomes erythematous.

　　 (3) Pityriasis alba is commonly seen in children and adolescents, primarily on the face, but also on the neck, upper arms, and shoulders. It presents as patchy hypopigmented lesions with poorly defined borders; the surface of the patches is covered with grayish‑white, bran‑like scales, accompanied by mild pruritus.

　　 (4) Tinea versicolor is commonly seen in young adults and typically affects the anterior chest, back, and neck. It begins as pale brown macules ranging from pinhead‑sized to millet‑grain size, with a few fine, bran‑like scales on the surface. As the lesions resolve, they become lighter in color, resulting in a patchwork of pale brown and white patches. Microscopic examination of the scales reveals the presence of fungi.

　　 (5) Senile leukoderma is a senile degenerative condition, commonly seen in… 45 It occurs in middle-aged and elderly individuals, with a higher incidence as age increases. It commonly affects the trunk and extremities, particularly the thighs, but does not involve the face. The white patches have well-defined borders and range in size from pinhead to mung bean. The skin within the patches is slightly depressed, and there is no hyperpigmentation at the margins.

　　Thus, skin lightening does not necessarily indicate vitiligo; differential diagnosis should be based on the typical sites of onset, age, lesion characteristics, and associated symptoms to avoid misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.

Why does the cost of 308 nm excimer laser treatment fluctuate?

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Why does the cost of 308 nm excimer laser treatment fluctuate?

CAS invites you to attend the 13th Academic Conference on Medicine and Aesthetics.

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