What is the medical term for the condition characterized by milk-white patches lacking pigment on the skin?

The condition characterized by milk-white patches lacking pigment on the skin is known as vitiligo. This skin disorder occurs when the melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, are destroyed or malfunction. As a result, lighter patches appear on various parts of the body, including the face, hands, and arms. The absence of melanin leaves these areas devoid of color, creating a striking contrast with surrounding skin.

In contrast, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that leads to the rapid growth of skin cells, resulting in inflamed, scaly patches, while eczema refers to a group of conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated, typically resulting in red and itchy rashes. Dermatitis is a broader term that encompasses inflammation of the skin and can refer to various types, including contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis, but it does not specifically refer to the absence of pigmentation seen in vitiligo. This distinction is crucial in recognizing and understanding the specific nature of skin conditions.