vitiligo /vit′ilē″gō, -ī″gō/ [L, vitium, blemish] , a benign acquired skin disease of unknown cause, consisting of irregular patches of various sizes totally lacking in pigment and often having hyperpigmented borders. The hypopigmented area is caused by loss of melanocytes. Exposed areas of skin are most often affected. Treatment using 8-methoxypsoralen requires extreme care and carefully regulated sun exposure. Some success has been achieved with the use of narrowband ultraviolet light and topical application of protopic. Waterproof, sun-protective cosmetics are often used to cover the patches. Compare albinism, piebald. −vitiliginous, adj.
