White patches on armpits and anal region, help?

I've developed some white patches on my armpits about half a year ago 1-2-3 inches wide, about 3-4 patches on each armpit, pale white patches, not as pronounced as Vitiligo. I've ruled out Vitiligo, they look different. Now, about half a year later white patch appeared on my anus and started to itch, it itches everyday, mostly in the evening when I go to bed. Later, I also got a small white spot on one of my arms in the forearm fold, looks the same as others. Please please please, let me know what it is if you know. I am worried about the itching on my rectal area. Armpit patches do no itch though, it is strange.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For these white patches, vitiligo should be ruled out. It is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body. Diagnosis can be confirmed by external examination, blood tests to check skin cell count for melanocytes and biopsy of the skin patches.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.