The damage is purely cosmetic, though there is a statistical association with other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid problems, pernicious anemia, and diabetes. Sun exposure accentuates the contrast with normally tanned surrounding skin. The most important diagnostic test is to do a simple scraping to rule out tinea versicolor, a fungus which can also cause skin lightening. It may be best in most cases to stick to the cosmetic choices. Where more skin is involved than half the surface area, the uninvolved skin may be bleached with special chemicals to reduce the apparent contrast with the vitiligo.
Dermatologists are the primary resource for treatment.
A common disorder of skin possibly due to a virus, this condition typically begins as a large slightly raised red area, with a somewhat fine, wrinkled appearance, several centimeters in diameter, often on the trunk. One or two weeks later, numerous other areas appear, somewhat smaller and aligning themselves in a peculiar orientation along the skin lines of the trunk, wider across than up and down. The rash is somewhat itchy, but rarely causes severe symptoms. It subsides spontaneously without scarring after 6 to 8 weeks. Treatment should be simple, and aimed at control of severe itching with antihistamines and similar agents.