How to Differentiate Tinea Versicolor and Vitiligo

Differential diagnosis between tinea versicolor and vitiligo includes: 1. **Clinical presentation**: Tinea versicolor (also known as pityriasis versicolor) mainly presents as skin-colored or light brown spots, which may have slight scaling on the surface. It commonly occurs in summer and affects areas prone to sweating, such as the armpits and neck. In contrast, vitiligo is characterized by white patches on the skin with clear borders, smooth surface without scaling, and can occur on any part of the body. 2. **Etiology and pathogenesis**: Tinea versicolor is a superficial fungal infection caused by Malassezia species invading the stratum corneum. Vitiligo, on the other hand, is associated with multiple factors including genetics, autoimmune responses, and abnormalities in neurochemical substances, leading to damage or deficiency of melanocytes. 3. **Progression speed**: Tinea versicolor progresses relatively slowly and may persist for months or even years. The progression speed of vitiligo varies among individuals, but it is generally faster than tinea versicolor. 4. **Diagnostic evaluation**: Tinea versicolor can be differentiated through mycological examination and Wood's lamp examination. Diagnosis of vitiligo relies on clinical manifestations and necessary laboratory tests.