How to know if it is vitiligo if there are several white spots on the body

Whether or not a few white spots on the body are vitiligo depends on the specific situation. If you have multiple white patches of different sizes, with blurred edges, smooth surfaces, etc., you may have vitiligo.

But in addition to vitiligo, other causes can also lead to the appearance of white patches on the body, such as tinea versicolor, senile vitiligo, idiopathic hypopigmentation, etc. Therefore, it is recommended that patients seek medical attention in a timely manner for diagnosis and treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

1. Vitiligo: Vitiligo is a common acquired depigmentation disease, and its pathogenesis is not clear, which may be related to genetic factors, autoimmune system abnormalities and other factors.Clinically, it is mainly manifested as well-defined milky white or light pink patches on the skin, which can occur on any part of the body, such as the face, neck, and back of the hands. In general, the white patches in vitiligo patients will gradually enlarge and merge into large patches with each other, accompanied by symptoms of graying hair.

2. Tinea versicolor: Tinea versicolor is a chronic skin disease caused by Malassezia infection, usually occurring in areas such as the chest, back, upper arms, and abdomen. Typical symptoms are round or oval pale red or yellowish brown macules on the skin, covered with fine pityrias-like scales, sometimes with an itchy sensation.

3. Senile vitiligo: senile vitiligo, also known as idiopathic punctate hypopigmentation, refers to a localized depigmentation patches that appear in the elderly's limbs, cheeks, front of the neck and other parts, which are round or oval, the number is uncertain, the size is about 1-2mm, the color is lighter than the surrounding normal skin tone, the boundary is clear, and the surface is smooth without desquamation.

4. Idiopathic hypopigmentation: Idiopathic hypopigmentation is an unexplained hypopigmented disease, the cause is not clear, and may be related to endocrine disorders, neuropsychiatric factors and other reasons. The clinical manifestations are mainly round or oval pale white or grayish white patches on the local skin, with unclear margins, which can occur in various parts of the body and are often symmetrically distributed.

In addition to this, it can also be caused by anemia nevi, apigmented nevi, etc. If the patient suspectsvitiligo, should go to the hospital in time, and then carry out targeted treatment after clarifying the specific cause.