Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is a symptom of vitiligo?

1. Red spots on the skin

2. Large patches of dark skin

3. Large white patches of skin

4. Flaky skin

The correct answer is: Large white patches of skin

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of skin color in patches. This occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color), are destroyed or do not function properly. As a result, the affected areas of the skin become lighter and form large white patches, which are a hallmark symptom of the condition. This lack of pigmentation can occur anywhere on the body and is more noticeable on darker skin. The other choices refer to different skin conditions or symptoms. Red spots on the skin may indicate a variety of issues, such as allergic reactions or infections. Large patches of dark skin may be associated with conditions such as hyperpigmentation or certain benign tumors. Flaky skin can result from dryness or conditions like eczema, but it does not specifically relate to vitiligo. Thus, the identification of large white patches of skin directly aligns with the symptoms of vitiligo.