What condition involves skin spots that are lighter than surrounding skin, often due to a loss of pigment?

The condition that involves skin spots lighter than the surrounding skin due to a loss of pigment is vitiligo. Vitiligo is characterized by the destruction of melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin. As these cells are damaged or destroyed, patches of skin become depigmented, resulting in significantly lighter areas compared to the surrounding skin.

This loss of pigmentation can occur in various patterns, and the affected areas can vary in size and shape. Vitiligo can develop on any part of the body and is not limited to sun-exposed areas. Its precise cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an autoimmune response where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own melanocytes.

In contrast, hyperpigmentation refers to areas of the skin that become darker than normal, often due to excess melanin production. Melasma is another condition that involves hyperpigmentation, frequently seen in women, especially during pregnancy or related to hormonal changes. Dermatitis encompasses a group of inflammatory skin conditions that may cause redness, itching, and rashing but does not specifically involve loss of pigment. Therefore, vitiligo stands out as the condition that directly correlates with lighter spots on the