The Hebrew word "Tzaraath" from the Old Testament book of Leviticus dating to 1280 BCE (or 1312 BCE) described a group of skin diseases associated with white spots, and a subsequent translation to Greek led to continued conflation of those with vitiligo with leprosy and spiritual uncleanliness.Medical sources in the ancient world such as Hippocrates often did not differentiate between vitiligo and leprosy, often grouping these diseases together. The name "vitiligo" was first used by the Roman physician Aulus Cornelius Celsus in his classic medical text De Medicina.The etymology of the term "vitiligo" is believed to be derived from "vitium", meaning "defect" or "blemish". Society and culture
The change in appearance caused by vitiligo can affect a persons emotional and psychological well-being and may create difficulty in becoming or remaining employed, particularly if vitiligo develops on visible areas of the body, such as the face, hands or arms. Participating in a vitiligo support group may improve social coping skills and emotional resilience. Notable cases include US pop singer Michael Jackson, Canadian fashion model Winnie Harlow, US actor David Dastmalchian and Argentine musician Charly García. French actor Michaël Youn is also affected, as is former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe. Research
As of July 2013, afamelanotide is in phase II and III clinical trials for vitiligo and other skin diseases.A medication for rheumatoid arthritis, tofacitinib, has been tested for the treatment of vitiligo.In October 1992, a scientific report was published of successfully transplanting melanocytes to vitiligo-affected areas, effectively re-pigmenting the region.
Triggers may include inflammatory skin conditions, burns, intralesional steroid injections and abrasions.Other conditions with similar symptoms include the following:

Albinism
Halo nevus
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (white sunspots)
Piebaldism
Pityriasis alba
Postinflammatory hypopigmentation
Primary adrenal insufficiency
Progressive macular hypomelanosis
Tinea versicolor
Tuberculoid leprosy

Treatment
There is no cure for vitiligo but several treatment options are available. The best evidence is for applied steroids and the combination of ultraviolet light in combination with creams. Due to the higher risks of skin cancer, the United Kingdoms National Health Service suggests phototherapy be used only if primary treatments are ineffective. Lesions located on the hands, feet, and joints are the most difficult to repigment; those on the face are easiest to return to the natural skin color as the skin is thinner in nature. Immune mediators
Topical preparations of immune suppressing medications including glucocorticoids (such as 0.05% clobetasol or 0.10% betamethasone) and calcineurin inhibitors (such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus) are considered to be first-line vitiligo  treatments.In July 2022, ruxolitinib cream (sold under the brand name Opzelura) was approved for medical use in the United States for the treatment of vitiligo. Phototherapy
Phototherapy is considered a second-line treatment for vitiligo. Exposing the skin to light from UVB lamps is the most common treatment for vitiligo. The treatments can be done at home with an UVB lamp or in a clinic. The exposure time is managed so that the skin does not suffer overexposure. Treatment can take a few weeks if the spots are on the neck and face and if they existed not more than 3 years.