Both vitiligo and partial albinism are related to skin pigmentation, and are sometimes confused. However, they are two distinct conditions, with different etiologies and management strategies. How can we distinguish between vitiligo and partial albinism? The answer is revealed here.
Partial Albinism and Vitiligo: Differences Between These Two Depigmentations.
Summary
Published on December 2, 2024, updated on March 4, 2025, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 5 min of reading
Themes:
Vitiligo, an acquired autoimmune skin disease.
Vitiligo is a skin disease that manifests as depigmented patches on the skin . It results from the selective loss of melanocytes over time, the cells responsible for the production of melanin. This disease is partly explained by an autoimmune mechanism in which the immune system mistakenly attacks its own pigment cells. Genetic predispositions also play a significant role in the onset of vitiligo . Indeed, more than 50 susceptibility genes have been associated with the disease, such as HLA, CTLA4, NLRP1, and TYR. Individuals carrying one or more variants of these genes are at a higher risk of developing the disease than others.
Quite characteristic, vitiligo macules are white and well-defined, distinguished by the absence of scaling or skin texture abnormalities. Although they can form in different parts of the body, they are most often found on the face, especially around the eyes, hands, and feet. The lesions of vitiligo usually manifest in a symmetrical manner, although some forms of the disease result in asymmetrical spots. It's important to know that vitiligo can progress unpredictably. In some cases, it remains localized for years, while it can rapidly spread in a matter of weeks in others. In the absence of a definitive cure, current treatments aim more to stabilize the progression of the disease.
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Partial albinism, a rare genetic disorder.
Also known as piebaldism, partial albinism is a rare genetic condition, referred to as autosomal dominant. This means that the genetic mutation involves one or more genes located on a non-sex chromosome, and it only takes one mutated allele for the disease to manifest. Several genes involved in the development of melanocytes are suspected to play a role in the development of partial albinism, such as KIT or SNAI2. Unlike vitiligo, which often appears in adulthood, partial albinism is present from birth.
In cases of partial albinism, only certain areas of the body are depigmented. The affected surfaces are generally quite limited. Partial albinism is often characterized by a triangular achromia on the forehead, accompanied by a streak of white hair. The white patches are often less distinct than those of vitiligo, with more blurred edges. Another major difference from vitiligo: partial albinism is a non-progressive disease. The depigmented spots remain fixed throughout life and do not spread, unlike those caused by vitiligo.
Although vitiligo and partial albinism are both depigmentations, they are different diseases, both in terms of their origin and their manifestations.
| Characteristics | Vitiligo | Partial Albinism |
|---|---|---|
| Incidence | 0.5 to 2% | Rare disease (< 0.0005%) |
| Etiology | A mechanism largely auto-immune in nature, with multifactorial origins | Tyrosinase Deficiency |
| Hereditary Character | Inconsistent Genetic Component | Autosomal Dominant |
| Extent of Lesions | Variable | Lesions that are not widespread, confined to small areas of the body or scalp |
| Areas often affected | Often the face, hands, and feet | Often the scalp |
| Associated Diseases | Autoimmune diseases (thyroid disorders, type 1 diabetes...) | None |
| Age of Onset | All ages, especially at the onset of adulthood | Present at birth |
| Evolution | Periods of Flare-ups | No progression of lesions |
A summary table of the differences between vitiligo and partial albinism.
Adapted from: LERNER A. & al. Albinism, Partial Albinism, and Vitiligo. Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine (1961).
Sources
SCHULZ J. & al. Partial Albinism. Journal of the American Medical Association (1955).
LERNER A. & et al. Albinism, Partial Albinism, and Vitiligo. Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine (1961).
BORRADORI L. & al. Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Infections. Elsevier Masson (2017).
EZZEDINE K. & others. Vitiligo: A Review. Dermatology (2020).
SPRITZ R. & et al. The Genetic Basis of Vitiligo. Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2021).
