What skin condition can lead to patches forming on various areas of the skin?

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment in certain areas of the skin, leading to the formation of lighter patches. This occurs because the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color), are destroyed or stop functioning. The patches can appear on any area of the body and may vary in size. The condition can develop at any age and often has a genetic component, although the exact cause is not fully understood.

In contrast, keratosis pilaris presents as small, rough bumps typically on the upper arms or thighs, caused by a buildup of keratin. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that leads to the rapid buildup of skin cells, resulting in thick, red, scaly patches, often in areas like the elbows and knees. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, can cause dry, itchy patches but is typically associated with inflammation and is often accompanied by a rash, rather than distinct patches of lighter skin. Thus, vitiligo specifically is the condition most directly associated with the development of lighter patches on the skin.