PENTACHROME VITILIGO

The term ''trichrome vitiligo'' has been used to describe lesions of v itiligo that have an intermediate level of color between the achromic center and the peripheral unaffected skin. We describe a 12-year-oId b lack girl with a generalized pigmentary disorder that fist appeared wh en she was 3 years of age. Five shades of colors-white, tan, medium br own (unaffected skin), dark brown, and black-were present. Biopsy spec imens of the depigmented areas showed a complete absence of melanocyte s, whereas the most hyperpigmented areas were characterized by an incr ease in epidermal pigment and number of melanocytes. The lack of any p receding inflammation in the affected areas and the subsequent widespr ead spontaneous depigmentation that occurred within 1 year pointed to a diagnosis of ''pentachrome vitiligo.''