How Is Vitiligo Diagnosed?

The doctor will use a family and medical history, physical exam, and tests to diagnose vitiligo. The doctor may ask questions such as:

• Do you have family members with vitiligo?
• Do you or family members have any autoimmune diseases?
• Did you have a rash, sunburn, or other skin problem before the white patches appeared?
• Did you have some type of stress or physical illness?
• Did your hair turn gray before age 35?
• Are you sensitive to the sun?

The doctor will do a physical exam to rule out other medical problems.

Tests might include:

• Taking a small sample (biopsy) of the affected skin to be examined
• Blood tests
• An eye exam.