Some patients have antibodies to melanin. Vitiligo is characterized by depigmented areas, usually sharply demarcated and often symmetric, caused by a lack of melanocytes. Depigmentation may involve one or two spots or may cover most of the skin surface. Hair in vitiliginous areas is usually white. Skin lesions are accentuated under Wood's light.
Treatment is for the cosmetic disfigurement.
Topical corticosteroids occasionally help. Melagenena, an extract of human placenta, has had variable success in India and the Far East. Cover-up cosmetics are much more satisfactory for most when cure is doubtful. Small lesions may be camouflaged with cosmetic creams or tanning solutions that do not wipe off on clothing and last several days. Albinism is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder in which melanocytes are present but do not form melanin.