What is the primary symptom of vitiligo?

The primary symptom of vitiligo is the appearance of white patches on the skin, which result from a loss of pigment. This occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin—the pigment that gives skin its color—are destroyed or stop functioning. As a result, areas of the skin lose their color, leading to stark contrasts against the normally pigmented skin. These patches can vary in size and can occur anywhere on the body, including the face, hands, and hair.

While the other options describe various skin conditions or characteristics, they do not pertain to vitiligo. Redness of the skin might indicate inflammation or irritation rather than pigment loss. Oily skin relates to overproduction of sebum, which is not a symptom of vitiligo. Thickened skin is a descriptor associated with other skin conditions or reactions and does not characterize vitiligo. Understanding vitiligo's primary symptom is essential for recognizing the condition and distinguishing it from other skin issues.