Which condition is characterized by the loss of skin pigmentation?

• A. Psoriasis
• B. Vitiligo
• C. Eczema
• D. Dermatitis

Answer: (B)

Vitiligo is the condition characterized by the loss of skin pigmentation. It occurs when the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color), are destroyed or cease to function. This leads to the development of distinct, lighter patches on the skin that can vary in size and shape. Vitiligo can affect people of all skin types and often results from an autoimmune response, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells.

In contrast, psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis are conditions related to inflammation and irritation of the skin, but they do not primarily lead to a loss of pigmentation. Psoriasis is characterized by raised, red patches covered with thick, silvery scales caused by an accelerated skin cell production cycle. Eczema refers to a group of conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated and is often associated with itching and redness. Dermatitis is a broader term that encompasses various inflammatory skin issues, which may lead to redness or irritation but not specifically the loss of pigmentation seen in vitiligo.