UV photograph of a hand with<unk>  UV photograph of a foot with<unk>  An ultraviolet light can be used in the early phase of this disease for identification and to determine the effectiveness of treatment. Using a Wood's light, skin will change colour (fluoresce) when it is affected by certain bacteria, fungi, and changes to pigmentation of the skin. Classification Classification attempts to quantify<unk>  have been analyzed as being somewhat inconsistent, while recent consensus have agreed to a system of segmental<unk>  (SV) and non-segmental<unk>  (NSV). NSV is the most common type of<unk> . Non-segmental In non-segmental<unk>  (NSV), there is usually some form of symmetry in the location of the patches of depigmentation. New patches also appear over time and can be generalized over large portions of the body or localized to a particular area. Extreme cases of<unk> , to the extent that little pigmented skin remains, are referred to as<unk>  universalis. NSV can come about at any age (unlike segmental<unk> , which is far more prevalent in teenage years). Classes of non-segmental<unk>  include the following: * Generalized<unk> : the most common pattern, wide and randomly distributed areas of depigmentation * Universal<unk> : depigmentation encompasses most of the body * Focal<unk> : one or a few scattered macules in one area, most common in children * Acrofacial<unk> : fingers and periorificial areas * Mucosal<unk> : depigmentation of only the mucous membranes Segmental Segmental<unk>  (SV) differs in appearance, cause, and frequency of associated illnesses. Its treatment is different from that of NSV. It tends to affect areas of skin that are associated with dorsal roots from the spinal cord and is most often unilateral. It is much more stable/static in course and its association with autoimmune diseases appears to be weaker than that of generalized<unk> . SV does not improve with topical therapies or UV light, however surgical treatments such as cellular grafting can be effective. Differential diagnosis Chemical leukoderma is a similar condition due to multiple exposures to chemicals.<unk>  however is a risk factor. Triggers may include inflammatory skin conditions, burns, intralesional steroid injections and abrasions. Other conditions with similar symptoms include the following: * Albinism * Halo nevus * Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (white sunspots) * Piebaldism * Pityriasis alba * Postinflammatory hypopigmentation * Primary adrenal insufficiency * Progressive macular hypomelanosis * Tinea versicolor * Tuberculoid leprosy
Vitiligo
Keratosis
Lamellar ichthyosis
Familial progressive hyperpigmentation
Alopecia mucinosa
Parapsoriasis
Ichthyosis acquisita
Abietic acid dermatitis