Oregon Esthetician State Board

What is the medical term for loss of pigmentation with light, abnormal patches of depigmented skin?

1. Pruitis

2. Leucoderma

3. Vitiligo

4. Stain

The correct answer is: Leucoderma

The medical term for loss of pigmentation characterized by light, abnormal patches of depigmented skin is best represented by the term "vitiligo." This condition occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin in the skin, are damaged or destroyed, leading to the development of white patches on the skin. Leucoderma is a broader term that is often used to describe a lack of pigmentation in the skin, but it doesn't specifically refer to the autoimmune condition that vitiligo is. While pruritus refers to itching, and stain can describe discoloration from various sources, neither captures the specific nature of the loss of pigmentation associated with vitiligo. Thus, vitiligo is the most accurate answer to describe this particular skin condition.