Vitiligo is more noticeable in darker skinned people because of the contrast. Lesions appear as flat depigmented areas with a darker border. The edges are sharply defined but irregular. Frequently affected areas are the face, elbows and knees, hands and feet, and genitalia. Also associated are sites of trauma and pressure.
Examination is sufficient to confirm the diagnosis.
No testing is required. Most vitiligo goes untreated. Treatment is difficult and often not completely effective. Treatment involves giving the patients photosensitizing compounds then exposing them to ultraviolet light. Topical or oral 8-methoxypsoralen or trimethylpsoralen treatments must be repeated multiple times in order to achieve even partial repigmentation.