Definition

1. Noun:
   • A skin condition causing loss of pigment: Vitiligo is an acquired, chronic skin disorder characterized by the development of smooth, white patches where the skin has lost its melanin pigment. These patches often have a distinct, sometimes hyperpigmented, border.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The model's vitiligo is a distinctive part of her appearance.
  • Vitiligo can affect any area of the skin, but it's often more noticeable on the face, hands, and wrists.
  • There is no cure for vitiligo, but treatments are available to help restore some color or even out skin tone.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Context: The term is primarily used in medical, dermatological, and patient-advocacy contexts. It is a non-contagious, autoimmune-related condition.
  • The study focused on the psychological impact of living with vitiligo.

Variants and Related Words

• Depigmentation (n): The loss of skin color, which is the primary symptom of vitiligo.
• Leukoderma (n): A general medical term for localized areas of skin depigmentation; vitiligo is a specific type of leukoderma.

Synonyms

• Leukoderma: (Medical synonym) A broader term for white skin patches.
• Skin depigmentation disorder: (Descriptive phrase)

Related Phrases / Collocations

• Segmental vitiligo: A type where depigmented patches develop on one side or segment of the body.
• Non-segmental vitiligo: The more common type, often appearing symmetrically on both sides of the body.
• Vitiligo patches: The specific areas of skin affected by the condition.

Noun

1. an acquired skin disease characterized by patches of unpigmented skin (often surrounded by a heavily pigmented border)