Vitiligo and Its Mimics in Childhood: A Diagnostic Framework for Hypopigmented Disorders.
- 1Department of Dermatology, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. [email protected].
- 2Department of Dermatology, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
Hypopigmented disorders in childhood encompass a broad spectrum of presentations, including depigmentation, hypopigmentation, and pseudo-hypopigmentation arising from non-melanin mechanisms. In clinical practice, the primary challenge often lies in distinguishing these conditions from vitiligo, the most common acquired depigmentation disorder. Although vitiligo is categorized into nonsegmental and segmental subtypes, many children initially present with an undetermined or focal form before the clinical subtype is clearly established. A systematic diagnostic approach begins with Wood's lamp examination and ultraviolet photography to distinguish complete depigmentation from partial hypopigmentation, followed by assessment of onset, extent, distribution, and associated extracutaneous manifestations. Accurate diagnosis enables early therapeutic intervention for vitiligo, averts unnecessary anxiety regarding self-limiting conditions, and prompts appropriate systemic evaluation. This review provides a comprehensive, evidence-based clinical framework for the differential diagnosis of pediatric hypopigmented disorders, highlighting key diagnostic clues to facilitate accurate diagnosis and optimal management.
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BibTeX
@article{ju2026vitiligo,
title = {{Vitiligo and Its Mimics in Childhood: A Diagnostic Framework for Hypopigmented Disorders.}},
author = {Hyun Jeong Ju and Jung Min Bae},
journal = {Annals of dermatology},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.5021/ad.26.064},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42845200},
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Vitiligo and Its Mimics in Childhood: A Diagnostic Framework for Hypopigmented Disorders.
AU - Hyun Jeong Ju
AU - Jung Min Bae
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - Annals of dermatology
DO - 10.5021/ad.26.064
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42845200
AB - Hypopigmented disorders in childhood encompass a broad spectrum of presentations, including depigmentation, hypopigmentation, and pseudo-hypopigmentation arising from non-melanin mechanisms. In clinical practice, the primary challenge often lies in distinguishing these conditions from vitiligo, the most common acquired depigmentation disorder. Although vitiligo is categorized into nonsegmental and segmental subtypes, many children initially present with an undetermined or focal form before the clinical subtype is clearly established. A systematic diagnostic approach begins with Wood's lamp examination and ultraviolet photography to distinguish complete depigmentation from partial hypopigmentation, followed by assessment of onset, extent, distribution, and associated extracutaneous manifestations. Accurate diagnosis enables early therapeutic intervention for vitiligo, averts unnecessary anxiety regarding self-limiting conditions, and prompts appropriate systemic evaluation. This review provides a comprehensive, evidence-based clinical framework for the differential diagnosis of pediatric hypopigmented disorders, highlighting key diagnostic clues to facilitate accurate diagnosis and optimal management.
SN - 1013-9087
SN - 2005-3894
ER -