Differential Diagnosis for Hypopigmentation
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Vitiligo: An autoimmune condition that destroys melanocytes, leading to well-defined patches of hypopigmentation, often on the face, hands, and wrists. It is a common cause of hypopigmentation and can be associated with other autoimmune diseases.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pityriasis alba: A mild, inflammatory skin condition characterized by small, round patches of hypopigmentation, often on the face, particularly in children. It is associated with atopic dermatitis.
- Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation: Hypopigmentation that occurs after an inflammatory skin condition, such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, due to damage to the melanocytes.
- Tinea versicolor: A fungal infection caused by Malassezia yeast, leading to patches of hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation on the skin, particularly on the chest and back.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Tuberous sclerosis: A genetic disorder that can cause hypopigmented macules (ash leaf spots), which are often one of the earliest signs of the condition. Missing this diagnosis could lead to delayed diagnosis of a potentially serious condition.
- Neurofibromatosis type 1: A genetic disorder that can cause café-au-lait spots, which may appear as hypopigmented patches in some cases. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing associated complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Waardenburg syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by congenital deafness, minor defects in the structures arising from the neural crest, and pigmentation abnormalities, including hypopigmentation.
- Chédiak-Higashi syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that affects the immune system and is characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, which can manifest as hypopigmentation.
- Griscelli syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that affects melanosome transport and can cause hypopigmentation, often associated with immunodeficiency and other systemic complications.