Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFactsSymptomsWhen to See a ProviderTreatment OptionsFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Facts

Symptoms

When to See a Provider

Treatment Options

Frequently Asked Questions

This article is part ofHealth Divide: Skin Conditions and Darker Skin, a destination in our Health Divide series.

While vitiligo affects people of all skin types, it tends to be more noticeable in people with darker skin tones, contributing to additionalstigmatizationand psychologicalstressin members of Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.

This article provides an overview of vitiligo in darker skin tones and how to help patients with darker skin actively manage the condition.

Zoe Hansen / Verywell Health

Vitiligo

Facts and Misconceptions

Misconceptions continue to fuel stigma around vitiligo, particularly for Black and Brown patients.

Vitiligo is not contagious or life-threatening, but it often has a significant impact on quality of life, prompting heightened stress,anxiety, and stigmatization in already-marginalized patients.

Explaining Vitiligo to Others

How It Affects Different Skin Types

Vitiligo can affect anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, or gender.

Zoe Hansen / Verywell

Vitiligo on darker skin

Vitiligo’s most noticeable symptom—loss of skin coloration—tends to be more apparent in people with darker skin tones due to the contrast between the white patches and the person’s natural skin tone.

Vitiligo on the Body

Melanocytes and Melanin

A person’s skin color stems from a process that involves cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin, a pigment that gives your skin, hair, and eyes their unique color.

Inskinpigmentationdisorders like vitiligo, these melanocytes become damaged and unable to produce enough melanin, resulting in white or lightened patches.

Geographical Prevalence

Experts estimate that vitiligo affects up to 1% of the world’s population, though many cases may go unreported.In the United States, this percentage may vary slightly depending on the region, but more research is needed to better understand how geographical location may impact vitiligo development.

A 2022 study indicated that Latinx and Hispanic patients are more likely to be living with an undiagnosed case of vitiligo, which affects overall prevalence estimates.

Despite misconceptions, vitiligo is not related to other skin conditions likeskin cancer,albinism(group of inherited conditions leading to extremely light skin, hair, and eyes), orleprosy, also called Hansen’s disease (a long-term bacterial infection that causes skin lesions and nerve damage).

While in theory it’s possible to have more than one of these skin conditions at the same time, vitiligo isn’t the underlying cause.

Vitiligo and Skin Cancer ProtectionEven though unpigmented patches of skin are more likely to sunburn, some research suggests that vitiligo may actuallyprotect against skin cancer, not lead to it.Further, having a darker skin tone may increase this protection factor. Other studies have found that vitiligo patients with darker skin tones were even less likely to develop skin cancer than lighter populations.

Vitiligo and Skin Cancer Protection

Even though unpigmented patches of skin are more likely to sunburn, some research suggests that vitiligo may actuallyprotect against skin cancer, not lead to it.Further, having a darker skin tone may increase this protection factor. Other studies have found that vitiligo patients with darker skin tones were even less likely to develop skin cancer than lighter populations.

The appearance ofskin conditions in darker skin toneshas been severely lacking in medical education and public health materials.Instead, a vast majority of images and descriptions focus almost solely on what skin conditions look like on White skin.

Without adequate training for healthcare providers to recognize what vitiligo looks like in different skin tones, Black and Brown patients often face a delayed or incorrect diagnosis and ineffective treatment.

Appearance

A primary symptom of vitiligo in all skin tones is white or lightened patches on the skin or in hair. These patches may look more prominent on people with darker skin tones due to the contrast between the depigmented patches and the person’s natural skin color.

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Dr. Lawrence Meyersonwww.dermnetnz.org2023.

Vitiligo on a person’s face around the eye and on the eyelid

Vitiligo typically appears in areas where sun exposure is frequent, such as the hands, feet, face, and arms, though it can appear anywhere on the body, including:

It’s also important to point out that severalother pigment disordersalso affect skin appearance and might be confused with vitiligo, particularly in Black and Brown patients. These include:

Location

Vitiligo patches are commonly found on both sides of the body symmetrically, usually in places where there has been frequent sun exposure, friction, or trauma.

There’s also the rarer segmental vitiligo, in which white patches appear on only one segment of the skin, like one side of the body. This type of vitiligo tends to stop growing once the initial patch is established.

What Causes Pigmentation Loss in Vitiligo?Vitiligo is generally considered anautoimmune diseasealthough it’s not entirely clear what triggers the immune system to mistakenly attack its own healthy skin pigment cells. Experts think a combination of factors, such as genetics, stress, skin damage, chemical exposure, and viruses, are likely to influence thedevelopment of vitiligo.

What Causes Pigmentation Loss in Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is generally considered anautoimmune diseasealthough it’s not entirely clear what triggers the immune system to mistakenly attack its own healthy skin pigment cells. Experts think a combination of factors, such as genetics, stress, skin damage, chemical exposure, and viruses, are likely to influence thedevelopment of vitiligo.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Vitiligo is not an urgent medical emergency, but it’s still a medical condition. It’s not just a cosmetic issue.

If possible and accessible, it’s wise to see a healthcare provider as soon as you notice skin changes because people with vitiligo have a greater chance of developing certain autoimmune conditions and getting severe sunburns.

Plus, if you choose to get vitiligo treatments, the chances for a better outcome are greater with anearlier diagnosis.

Skin and Sun Care with Vitiligo

Physical Examination

During an appointment for vitiligo, a healthcare provider will likely ask about your medical history and symptoms before looking at your skin. This physical examination will be more thorough than the casual skin checks you may have done at home.

For example, you can expect your healthcare provider to:

If more information is needed, a healthcare provider may order the following tests:

Julie Bang / Verywell

health divide vitiligo

Questions to Ask

Research shows that vitiligo patients—particularly those from Black and Brown communities—face barriers when seeking care and treatment.This includes receiving an accurate, timely diagnosis and access to recommended vitiligo treatments.

Open communication with a healthcare provider can lead to better health outcomes for you. For some patients, this communication may be more comfortable and effective when the healthcare provider shares the same racial or ethnic background.But if that’s not possible, it’s completely acceptable to ask a healthcare provider if they’re experienced diagnosing and treating skin of color.

From there, feel encouraged to be upfront with any questions or requests you may have. Some suggestions include:

Mental Health Resources

While it’s completely normal to feel stressed, embarrassed, or frustrated about living with a chronic skin condition like vitiligo,your quality of life and mental healthdo notneed to suffer. Connecting with resources and support systems that are striving to destigmatize Black and Latinx/Hispanicmental health servicescan be a first step. Consider checking out:

Possible Co-Occurring Conditions

In addition to skin pigmentation loss, vitiligo can cause other symptoms such aspainand itching. People with vitiligo are also more likely to face conditions such as:

How to Find the Right Healthcare Provider

There’s no cure for vitiligo, but there are many differenttreatment optionsthat can help slow the progression of vitiligo or return some color to white patches. However, some people choose not to treat their vitiligo at all.

Common vitiligo treatment options include:

Keep in mind that treatment plans for patients with darker skin may require different approaches or dosages than those used for patients with light skin. For example, using UV light therapy in patients with darker skin tones may require higher doses to get results.

Treatment Costs

How to Prevent Worsening of Vitiligo

Summary

Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes your skin to lose melanin (pigment) in some areas, resulting in white or lightened patches. Although vitiligo is usually more noticeable on darker skin tones, research shows that it affects people of all ethnicities similarly.

Barriers to equitable health care plus a lack of medical education around what vitiligo looks like in darker skin tones make getting an accurate diagnosis and accessing effective treatments much more challenging.

A Word From Verywell

Living with a skin condition like vitiligo can be stressful and upsetting at times. It can be even more challenging when you feel marginalized for having darker skin. Through organizations like the Skin of Color Society, resources are available to help you find healthcare providers that are comfortable treating skin of color. Getting an accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment can help youlive well with vitiligo.

Frequently Asked QuestionsIt depends. Some insurance companies may classify certain vitiligo treatments as “cosmetic” rather than medically necessary. And, unfortunately, research confirms inequities in vitiligo coverage that disproportionately impact patients with darker skin. Know that there are possible options forfree or low-cost health insuranceif needed, and don’t hesitate to check with a healthcare provider or other trusted source if you have questions about paying for a health service.Although some people with darker skin can experience a sudden return of skin color without treatment, pigmentation loss is usually permanent for most vitiligo patients.Fortunately, several treatment options can effectively restore skin color or camouflage the appearance of light patches in darker skin tones.If you have access to a healthcare provider, consider asking them for a referral to adermatologist(doctor who specializes in hair, skin, and nail conditions) who can treat vitiligo. In addition, the Skin of Color Society provides a free database in which you can search for local healthcare providers who are committed to providing culturally competent care.Learn MoreHow to Tell If You Need a Dermatologist

It depends. Some insurance companies may classify certain vitiligo treatments as “cosmetic” rather than medically necessary. And, unfortunately, research confirms inequities in vitiligo coverage that disproportionately impact patients with darker skin. Know that there are possible options forfree or low-cost health insuranceif needed, and don’t hesitate to check with a healthcare provider or other trusted source if you have questions about paying for a health service.

Although some people with darker skin can experience a sudden return of skin color without treatment, pigmentation loss is usually permanent for most vitiligo patients.Fortunately, several treatment options can effectively restore skin color or camouflage the appearance of light patches in darker skin tones.

If you have access to a healthcare provider, consider asking them for a referral to adermatologist(doctor who specializes in hair, skin, and nail conditions) who can treat vitiligo. In addition, the Skin of Color Society provides a free database in which you can search for local healthcare providers who are committed to providing culturally competent care.Learn MoreHow to Tell If You Need a Dermatologist

If you have access to a healthcare provider, consider asking them for a referral to adermatologist(doctor who specializes in hair, skin, and nail conditions) who can treat vitiligo. In addition, the Skin of Color Society provides a free database in which you can search for local healthcare providers who are committed to providing culturally competent care.

Learn MoreHow to Tell If You Need a Dermatologist

34 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Vitiligo.Williams DR.Stress and the mental health of populations of color: advancing our understanding of race-related stressors.J Health Soc Behav. 2018;59(4):466-485. doi:10.1177/0022146518814251Grimes PE, Miller MM.Vitiligo: Patient stories, self-esteem, and the psychological burden of disease.Int J Womens Dermatol.2018;4(1):32-37. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.11.005American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Vitiligo.MedlinePlus.MC1R gene.Nemours Foundation.Skin, hair, and nails.MedlinePlus.Vitiligo.Silverberg JI, Reja M, Silverberg NB.Regional variation of and association of US birthplace with vitiligo extent.JAMA Dermatol.2014;150(12):1298-1305. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2014.899Vitiligo Research Foundation.About vitiligo.Gandhi K, Ezzedine K, Anastassopoulos KP, et al.Prevalence of vitiligo among adults in the United States.JAMA Dermatol.2022;158(1):43-50. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.4724Wen Y, Wu X, Peng H, et al.Cancer risks in patients with vitiligo: a Mendelian randomization study.J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2020;146(8):1933-1940. doi:10.1007/s00432-020-03245-3Nordlund JJ.Vitiligo: A review of some facts lesser known about depigmentation.Indian J Dermatol.2011;56(2):180-189. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.80413Kim HS, Kim HJ, Hong ES, et al.The incidence and survival of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer in patients with vitiligo: a nationwide population-based matched cohort study in Korea.Br J Dermatol. 2019;182(4):907-915. doi:10.1111/bjd.18247Alvarado SM, Feng H.Representation of dark skin images of common dermatologic conditions in educational resources: A cross-sectional analysis.J Am Acad Dermatol.2020;84(5):1427-1431. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.06.041Adelekun A, Onyekaba G, Lipoff JB.Skin color in dermatology textbooks: An updated evaluation and analysis.J Am Acad Dermatol.2021;84(1):194–196. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.084Perlman KL, Williams NM, Egbeto IA, Gao DX, Siddiquee N, Park JH.Skin of color lacks representation in medical student resources: A cross-sectional study.Int J Womens Dermatol.2021;7(2):195-196. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.12.018National Health Service.Vitiligo.Ezzedine K, Lim HW, Suzuki T, et al.Revised classification/nomenclature of vitiligo and related issues: the Vitiligo Global Issues Consensus Conference.Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research. 2012;25(3):E1-E13. doi:10.1111/j.1755-148X.2012.00997.xSpeeckaert R, Lambert J, Bulat V, Belpaire A, Speeckaert M, van Geel N.Autoimmunity in segmental vitiligo.Front Immunol. 2020;11:568447. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.568447National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Vitiligo.American Academy of Dermatology.Is vitiligo a medical condition?.Bae JM, Lee RW.365-nm narrowband Wood’s lamp for vitiligo and hypopigmentation disorders.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2020;83(4):e283-e284. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.08.064Yang Q, Zhang G, Su M, et al.Vitiligo skin biomarkers associated with favorable therapeutic response.Front Immunol. 2021;12:613031. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.613031Rodríguez-Martín M, Sáez M, Merino de Paz N, et al.When are laboratory tests indicated in patients with vitiligo?.Dermato-Endocrinology. 2012;4(1):53-57. doi:10.4161/derm.19200Chen T, Grau C, Suprun M, Silverberg NB.Vitiligo patients experience barriers in accessing care.Cutis. 2016;98(6):385-388.Shen MJ, Peterson EB, Costas-Muñiz R, et al.The effects of race and racial concordance on patient-physician communication: A systematic review of the literature.J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. 2018;5(1):117-140. doi:10.1007/s40615-017-0350-4Takeshita J, Wang S, Loren AW, et al.Association of racial/ethnic and gender concordance between patients and physicians with patient experience ratings.JAMA Netw Open.2020;3(11):e2024583. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.24583Linthorst Homan MW, Spuls PI, de Korte J, Bos JD, Sprangers MA, van der Veen JP.The burden of vitiligo: patient characteristics associated with quality of life.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009;61(3):411-420. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.03.022Dégboé B, Atadokpèdé F, Saka B, et al.Vitiligo on black skin: epidemiological and clinical aspects in dermatology, Cotonou (Benin).Int J Dermatol. 2017; 56(1): 92-96. doi:10.1111/ijd.13366Hadi A, Wang JF, Uppal P, Penn LA, Elbuluk N.Comorbid diseases of vitiligo: A 10-year cross-sectional retrospective study of an urban US population.J Amer Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(3):628-633. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.07.036.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Skin pigment disorders.Bae JM, Ju HJ, Lee RW, et al.Evaluation for skin cancer and precancerous in patients with vitiligo treated with long-term narrowband UV-B phototherapy.JAMA Dermatol.2020;156(5):529-537. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.0218Blundell A, Moniyka Sachar, Gabel CK, Bercovitch LG.The scope of health insurance coverage of vitiligo treatments in the United States: Implications for health care outcomes and disparities in children of color.Pediatr Dermatologic.2021;38(2):79-85. doi:10.1111/pde.14714Taneja N, Sreenivas V, Sahni K, Gupta V, Ramam M.A cross-sectional study of spontaneous depigmentation in vitiligo.Indian J Dermatologic Venereol Leprol.2020;86(3):240-250. doi:10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_409_18

34 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Vitiligo.Williams DR.Stress and the mental health of populations of color: advancing our understanding of race-related stressors.J Health Soc Behav. 2018;59(4):466-485. doi:10.1177/0022146518814251Grimes PE, Miller MM.Vitiligo: Patient stories, self-esteem, and the psychological burden of disease.Int J Womens Dermatol.2018;4(1):32-37. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.11.005American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Vitiligo.MedlinePlus.MC1R gene.Nemours Foundation.Skin, hair, and nails.MedlinePlus.Vitiligo.Silverberg JI, Reja M, Silverberg NB.Regional variation of and association of US birthplace with vitiligo extent.JAMA Dermatol.2014;150(12):1298-1305. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2014.899Vitiligo Research Foundation.About vitiligo.Gandhi K, Ezzedine K, Anastassopoulos KP, et al.Prevalence of vitiligo among adults in the United States.JAMA Dermatol.2022;158(1):43-50. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.4724Wen Y, Wu X, Peng H, et al.Cancer risks in patients with vitiligo: a Mendelian randomization study.J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2020;146(8):1933-1940. doi:10.1007/s00432-020-03245-3Nordlund JJ.Vitiligo: A review of some facts lesser known about depigmentation.Indian J Dermatol.2011;56(2):180-189. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.80413Kim HS, Kim HJ, Hong ES, et al.The incidence and survival of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer in patients with vitiligo: a nationwide population-based matched cohort study in Korea.Br J Dermatol. 2019;182(4):907-915. doi:10.1111/bjd.18247Alvarado SM, Feng H.Representation of dark skin images of common dermatologic conditions in educational resources: A cross-sectional analysis.J Am Acad Dermatol.2020;84(5):1427-1431. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.06.041Adelekun A, Onyekaba G, Lipoff JB.Skin color in dermatology textbooks: An updated evaluation and analysis.J Am Acad Dermatol.2021;84(1):194–196. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.084Perlman KL, Williams NM, Egbeto IA, Gao DX, Siddiquee N, Park JH.Skin of color lacks representation in medical student resources: A cross-sectional study.Int J Womens Dermatol.2021;7(2):195-196. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.12.018National Health Service.Vitiligo.Ezzedine K, Lim HW, Suzuki T, et al.Revised classification/nomenclature of vitiligo and related issues: the Vitiligo Global Issues Consensus Conference.Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research. 2012;25(3):E1-E13. doi:10.1111/j.1755-148X.2012.00997.xSpeeckaert R, Lambert J, Bulat V, Belpaire A, Speeckaert M, van Geel N.Autoimmunity in segmental vitiligo.Front Immunol. 2020;11:568447. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.568447National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Vitiligo.American Academy of Dermatology.Is vitiligo a medical condition?.Bae JM, Lee RW.365-nm narrowband Wood’s lamp for vitiligo and hypopigmentation disorders.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2020;83(4):e283-e284. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.08.064Yang Q, Zhang G, Su M, et al.Vitiligo skin biomarkers associated with favorable therapeutic response.Front Immunol. 2021;12:613031. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.613031Rodríguez-Martín M, Sáez M, Merino de Paz N, et al.When are laboratory tests indicated in patients with vitiligo?.Dermato-Endocrinology. 2012;4(1):53-57. doi:10.4161/derm.19200Chen T, Grau C, Suprun M, Silverberg NB.Vitiligo patients experience barriers in accessing care.Cutis. 2016;98(6):385-388.Shen MJ, Peterson EB, Costas-Muñiz R, et al.The effects of race and racial concordance on patient-physician communication: A systematic review of the literature.J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. 2018;5(1):117-140. doi:10.1007/s40615-017-0350-4Takeshita J, Wang S, Loren AW, et al.Association of racial/ethnic and gender concordance between patients and physicians with patient experience ratings.JAMA Netw Open.2020;3(11):e2024583. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.24583Linthorst Homan MW, Spuls PI, de Korte J, Bos JD, Sprangers MA, van der Veen JP.The burden of vitiligo: patient characteristics associated with quality of life.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009;61(3):411-420. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.03.022Dégboé B, Atadokpèdé F, Saka B, et al.Vitiligo on black skin: epidemiological and clinical aspects in dermatology, Cotonou (Benin).Int J Dermatol. 2017; 56(1): 92-96. doi:10.1111/ijd.13366Hadi A, Wang JF, Uppal P, Penn LA, Elbuluk N.Comorbid diseases of vitiligo: A 10-year cross-sectional retrospective study of an urban US population.J Amer Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(3):628-633. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.07.036.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Skin pigment disorders.Bae JM, Ju HJ, Lee RW, et al.Evaluation for skin cancer and precancerous in patients with vitiligo treated with long-term narrowband UV-B phototherapy.JAMA Dermatol.2020;156(5):529-537. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.0218Blundell A, Moniyka Sachar, Gabel CK, Bercovitch LG.The scope of health insurance coverage of vitiligo treatments in the United States: Implications for health care outcomes and disparities in children of color.Pediatr Dermatologic.2021;38(2):79-85. doi:10.1111/pde.14714Taneja N, Sreenivas V, Sahni K, Gupta V, Ramam M.A cross-sectional study of spontaneous depigmentation in vitiligo.Indian J Dermatologic Venereol Leprol.2020;86(3):240-250. doi:10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_409_18

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Vitiligo.Williams DR.Stress and the mental health of populations of color: advancing our understanding of race-related stressors.J Health Soc Behav. 2018;59(4):466-485. doi:10.1177/0022146518814251Grimes PE, Miller MM.Vitiligo: Patient stories, self-esteem, and the psychological burden of disease.Int J Womens Dermatol.2018;4(1):32-37. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.11.005American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Vitiligo.MedlinePlus.MC1R gene.Nemours Foundation.Skin, hair, and nails.MedlinePlus.Vitiligo.Silverberg JI, Reja M, Silverberg NB.Regional variation of and association of US birthplace with vitiligo extent.JAMA Dermatol.2014;150(12):1298-1305. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2014.899Vitiligo Research Foundation.About vitiligo.Gandhi K, Ezzedine K, Anastassopoulos KP, et al.Prevalence of vitiligo among adults in the United States.JAMA Dermatol.2022;158(1):43-50. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.4724Wen Y, Wu X, Peng H, et al.Cancer risks in patients with vitiligo: a Mendelian randomization study.J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2020;146(8):1933-1940. doi:10.1007/s00432-020-03245-3Nordlund JJ.Vitiligo: A review of some facts lesser known about depigmentation.Indian J Dermatol.2011;56(2):180-189. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.80413Kim HS, Kim HJ, Hong ES, et al.The incidence and survival of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer in patients with vitiligo: a nationwide population-based matched cohort study in Korea.Br J Dermatol. 2019;182(4):907-915. doi:10.1111/bjd.18247Alvarado SM, Feng H.Representation of dark skin images of common dermatologic conditions in educational resources: A cross-sectional analysis.J Am Acad Dermatol.2020;84(5):1427-1431. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.06.041Adelekun A, Onyekaba G, Lipoff JB.Skin color in dermatology textbooks: An updated evaluation and analysis.J Am Acad Dermatol.2021;84(1):194–196. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.084Perlman KL, Williams NM, Egbeto IA, Gao DX, Siddiquee N, Park JH.Skin of color lacks representation in medical student resources: A cross-sectional study.Int J Womens Dermatol.2021;7(2):195-196. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.12.018National Health Service.Vitiligo.Ezzedine K, Lim HW, Suzuki T, et al.Revised classification/nomenclature of vitiligo and related issues: the Vitiligo Global Issues Consensus Conference.Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research. 2012;25(3):E1-E13. doi:10.1111/j.1755-148X.2012.00997.xSpeeckaert R, Lambert J, Bulat V, Belpaire A, Speeckaert M, van Geel N.Autoimmunity in segmental vitiligo.Front Immunol. 2020;11:568447. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.568447National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Vitiligo.American Academy of Dermatology.Is vitiligo a medical condition?.Bae JM, Lee RW.365-nm narrowband Wood’s lamp for vitiligo and hypopigmentation disorders.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2020;83(4):e283-e284. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.08.064Yang Q, Zhang G, Su M, et al.Vitiligo skin biomarkers associated with favorable therapeutic response.Front Immunol. 2021;12:613031. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.613031Rodríguez-Martín M, Sáez M, Merino de Paz N, et al.When are laboratory tests indicated in patients with vitiligo?.Dermato-Endocrinology. 2012;4(1):53-57. doi:10.4161/derm.19200Chen T, Grau C, Suprun M, Silverberg NB.Vitiligo patients experience barriers in accessing care.Cutis. 2016;98(6):385-388.Shen MJ, Peterson EB, Costas-Muñiz R, et al.The effects of race and racial concordance on patient-physician communication: A systematic review of the literature.J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. 2018;5(1):117-140. doi:10.1007/s40615-017-0350-4Takeshita J, Wang S, Loren AW, et al.Association of racial/ethnic and gender concordance between patients and physicians with patient experience ratings.JAMA Netw Open.2020;3(11):e2024583. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.24583Linthorst Homan MW, Spuls PI, de Korte J, Bos JD, Sprangers MA, van der Veen JP.The burden of vitiligo: patient characteristics associated with quality of life.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009;61(3):411-420. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.03.022Dégboé B, Atadokpèdé F, Saka B, et al.Vitiligo on black skin: epidemiological and clinical aspects in dermatology, Cotonou (Benin).Int J Dermatol. 2017; 56(1): 92-96. doi:10.1111/ijd.13366Hadi A, Wang JF, Uppal P, Penn LA, Elbuluk N.Comorbid diseases of vitiligo: A 10-year cross-sectional retrospective study of an urban US population.J Amer Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(3):628-633. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.07.036.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Skin pigment disorders.Bae JM, Ju HJ, Lee RW, et al.Evaluation for skin cancer and precancerous in patients with vitiligo treated with long-term narrowband UV-B phototherapy.JAMA Dermatol.2020;156(5):529-537. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.0218Blundell A, Moniyka Sachar, Gabel CK, Bercovitch LG.The scope of health insurance coverage of vitiligo treatments in the United States: Implications for health care outcomes and disparities in children of color.Pediatr Dermatologic.2021;38(2):79-85. doi:10.1111/pde.14714Taneja N, Sreenivas V, Sahni K, Gupta V, Ramam M.A cross-sectional study of spontaneous depigmentation in vitiligo.Indian J Dermatologic Venereol Leprol.2020;86(3):240-250. doi:10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_409_18

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Vitiligo.

Williams DR.Stress and the mental health of populations of color: advancing our understanding of race-related stressors.J Health Soc Behav. 2018;59(4):466-485. doi:10.1177/0022146518814251

Grimes PE, Miller MM.Vitiligo: Patient stories, self-esteem, and the psychological burden of disease.Int J Womens Dermatol.2018;4(1):32-37. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.11.005

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Vitiligo.

MedlinePlus.MC1R gene.

Nemours Foundation.Skin, hair, and nails.

MedlinePlus.Vitiligo.

Silverberg JI, Reja M, Silverberg NB.Regional variation of and association of US birthplace with vitiligo extent.JAMA Dermatol.2014;150(12):1298-1305. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2014.899

Vitiligo Research Foundation.About vitiligo.

Gandhi K, Ezzedine K, Anastassopoulos KP, et al.Prevalence of vitiligo among adults in the United States.JAMA Dermatol.2022;158(1):43-50. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.4724

Wen Y, Wu X, Peng H, et al.Cancer risks in patients with vitiligo: a Mendelian randomization study.J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2020;146(8):1933-1940. doi:10.1007/s00432-020-03245-3

Nordlund JJ.Vitiligo: A review of some facts lesser known about depigmentation.Indian J Dermatol.2011;56(2):180-189. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.80413

Kim HS, Kim HJ, Hong ES, et al.The incidence and survival of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer in patients with vitiligo: a nationwide population-based matched cohort study in Korea.Br J Dermatol. 2019;182(4):907-915. doi:10.1111/bjd.18247

Alvarado SM, Feng H.Representation of dark skin images of common dermatologic conditions in educational resources: A cross-sectional analysis.J Am Acad Dermatol.2020;84(5):1427-1431. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.06.041

Adelekun A, Onyekaba G, Lipoff JB.Skin color in dermatology textbooks: An updated evaluation and analysis.J Am Acad Dermatol.2021;84(1):194–196. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.084

Perlman KL, Williams NM, Egbeto IA, Gao DX, Siddiquee N, Park JH.Skin of color lacks representation in medical student resources: A cross-sectional study.Int J Womens Dermatol.2021;7(2):195-196. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.12.018

National Health Service.Vitiligo.

Ezzedine K, Lim HW, Suzuki T, et al.Revised classification/nomenclature of vitiligo and related issues: the Vitiligo Global Issues Consensus Conference.Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research. 2012;25(3):E1-E13. doi:10.1111/j.1755-148X.2012.00997.x

Speeckaert R, Lambert J, Bulat V, Belpaire A, Speeckaert M, van Geel N.Autoimmunity in segmental vitiligo.Front Immunol. 2020;11:568447. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.568447

American Academy of Dermatology.Is vitiligo a medical condition?.

Bae JM, Lee RW.365-nm narrowband Wood’s lamp for vitiligo and hypopigmentation disorders.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2020;83(4):e283-e284. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.08.064

Yang Q, Zhang G, Su M, et al.Vitiligo skin biomarkers associated with favorable therapeutic response.Front Immunol. 2021;12:613031. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.613031

Rodríguez-Martín M, Sáez M, Merino de Paz N, et al.When are laboratory tests indicated in patients with vitiligo?.Dermato-Endocrinology. 2012;4(1):53-57. doi:10.4161/derm.19200

Chen T, Grau C, Suprun M, Silverberg NB.Vitiligo patients experience barriers in accessing care.Cutis. 2016;98(6):385-388.

Shen MJ, Peterson EB, Costas-Muñiz R, et al.The effects of race and racial concordance on patient-physician communication: A systematic review of the literature.J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. 2018;5(1):117-140. doi:10.1007/s40615-017-0350-4

Takeshita J, Wang S, Loren AW, et al.Association of racial/ethnic and gender concordance between patients and physicians with patient experience ratings.JAMA Netw Open.2020;3(11):e2024583. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.24583

Linthorst Homan MW, Spuls PI, de Korte J, Bos JD, Sprangers MA, van der Veen JP.The burden of vitiligo: patient characteristics associated with quality of life.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009;61(3):411-420. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.03.022

Dégboé B, Atadokpèdé F, Saka B, et al.Vitiligo on black skin: epidemiological and clinical aspects in dermatology, Cotonou (Benin).Int J Dermatol. 2017; 56(1): 92-96. doi:10.1111/ijd.13366

Hadi A, Wang JF, Uppal P, Penn LA, Elbuluk N.Comorbid diseases of vitiligo: A 10-year cross-sectional retrospective study of an urban US population.J Amer Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(3):628-633. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.07.036.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Skin pigment disorders.

Bae JM, Ju HJ, Lee RW, et al.Evaluation for skin cancer and precancerous in patients with vitiligo treated with long-term narrowband UV-B phototherapy.JAMA Dermatol.2020;156(5):529-537. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.0218

Blundell A, Moniyka Sachar, Gabel CK, Bercovitch LG.The scope of health insurance coverage of vitiligo treatments in the United States: Implications for health care outcomes and disparities in children of color.Pediatr Dermatologic.2021;38(2):79-85. doi:10.1111/pde.14714

Taneja N, Sreenivas V, Sahni K, Gupta V, Ramam M.A cross-sectional study of spontaneous depigmentation in vitiligo.Indian J Dermatologic Venereol Leprol.2020;86(3):240-250. doi:10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_409_18

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