What skin condition involves the loss of pigment in patches?

The skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment in patches is vitiligo. This condition arises when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin, are destroyed or cease to function. As a result, areas of the skin lose their color, leading to noticeable white patches that can appear anywhere on the body. The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an autoimmune response, genetic factors, or environmental triggers.

In contrast, psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder that leads to the rapid build-up of skin cells, resulting in thick, scaly patches that are often red and may be itchy. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, involves inflamed, itchy, and often dry skin but does not primarily cause loss of pigmentation. Fungal infections, on the other hand, can cause various skin eruptions but do not typically lead to pigment loss in the manner that vitiligo does.