Oregon Esthetician State Board

Which pigmentation disease is characterized by white irregular patches of skin lacking pigment?

1. Albinism

2. Vitiligo

3. Psoriasis

4. Dyschromia

The correct answer is: Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a pigmentation disease that is specifically marked by the appearance of white irregular patches of skin. This condition occurs when the skin loses melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, which gives skin its color. As a result, areas of the skin become lighter than the surrounding skin, leading to the distinct patches that are characteristic of vitiligo. In contrast, albinism is a genetic condition that results in a complete lack of melanin throughout the body, resulting in very light skin, hair, and eyes, but it does not specifically manifest as patches of lighter skin. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that leads to red, inflamed patches of skin covered with silvery scales, and dyschromia refers to any abnormal coloration of the skin but does not specify the presence of white patches. Therefore, vitiligo is the most accurate description of the condition characterized by white irregular patches of skin lacking pigment.