white blotches and itchy skin - Rare Disorders Message Board

Christopher74 · 05-16-2001, 11:40 AM

My girlfriend is asian and had this white spot on her face a year ago and since has spread to a blotch on her face and also has these spots on the back of her neck and chest. It is as if the pigment is gone. This is common in minorities (non-whites) and especially with african americans.

She also has this itching that puffs up when she scratches like lines. She takes claratin and it helps.

Anyone know if these are related and what causes this to happen? What can be done to regain pigment to her skin in these areas?

Netchickie1 · 09-18-2003, 01:19 PM

well, i have that same problem but mine is only on my legs, but i have emailed a nurse about it and i can post results from her as sooon i get the email back.

zuzu8 · 09-20-2003, 12:43 PM

The loss of pigment is a condition called Vitiligo. Here is a link to MEDLINE (approved by moderators to post) with some info on it from different resources:
[url="http://search.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/query?DISAMBIGUATION=true&FUNCTION=searc h&SERVER2=server2&SERVER1=server1&PARAME TER=vitiligo&x=43&y=18"]http://search.nlm.nih.gov/medlinep lus/query?DISAMBIGUATION=true&FUNCTION=searc h&SERVER2=server2&SERVER1=server1&PARAME TER=vitiligo&x=43&y=18[/url]

The scratching that leaves lines could be something called dermatographism. Another word for "skin writing" .

Here's a link to the same website which has a lot of info from various sources for you, including photos ...You have the option of seeing 46 additional links under the encyclopedia section alone.
[url="http://search.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/query?DISAMBIGUATION=true&FUNCTION=searc h&SERVER2=server2&SERVER1=server1&PARAME TER=Dermatographism&x=43&y=6"]http://search.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/query?DISAMBIGUATION=true&FUNCTION=searc h&SERVER2=server2&SERVER1=server1&PARAME TER=Dermatographism&x=43&y=6[/url]

Hope some of this helps.

zuzu xx

[This message has been edited by zuzu8 (edited 09-20-2003).]