Diagnostic Tools Our dermatologists often diagnose vitiligo based solely on a physical examination. If doctors need more information about how the condition affects your skin cells, they may suggest a skin biopsy or blood test.

Can vitiligo be detected by blood test?

Appropriate tests should be performed only in the presence of signs or symptoms of associated disease. Laboratory work for vitiligo may include the following: Thyroid panel consisting of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (T3), and free thyroxine (T4) levels. Antinuclear antibody.

Is every white spot vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a skin disorder in which smooth white areas (called macules or patches) appear on a persons skin. It generally starts on the hands, forearms, feet and face. Globally, about 1% or so of the population has vitiligo.

Can you predict vitiligo?

There is no way you can predict where, when or even if you are going to get vitiligo. And as we dont know why vitiligo occurs, there is no way it can be prevented. It is thought to be triggered by a combination of genetics and environmental conditions, which can appear at any age.

What color does vitiligo start as?

Vitiligo often starts as a pale patch of skin that gradually turns completely white. The centre of a patch may be white, with paler skin around it. If there are blood vessels under the skin, the patch may be slightly pink, rather than white.

Can you stop vitiligo from spreading?

No treatments can cure vitiligo. For most people, the goal of treatment is to stop vitiligo from spreading and to bring color back to affected areas of skin. The existing treatments can help, but it is rare for them to make vitiligo go away permanently.

How fast does vitiligo spread?

It spreads very quickly, faster than the other forms, but only for about 6 months (sometimes up to a year). Its such a rapid pace that patients assume it will soon cover their entire body, but it stops abruptly and usually remains stable, without changing, forever after that.

How many years does vitiligo take to spread?

It spreads very quickly, faster than the other forms, but only for about 6 months (sometimes up to a year). Its such a rapid pace that patients assume it will soon cover their entire body, but it stops abruptly and usually remains stable, without changing, forever after that.