Translation guide
A skin condition causing loss of pigment, resulting in white patches. In Japanese, the medical term is 白斑 (はくはん), but the English loanword ビティリゴ is also used. For everyday conversation, descriptive phrases are common.
vitiligo (loanword)
Less common, but understood in some contexts.
Referring to the skin condition vitiligo in a medical or formal context.
The standard Japanese medical term for vitiligo. Literally 'white spots'. Used by doctors and in medical literature.
Vitiligo is a disease where pigment is lost.
The full medical term for common vitiligo (vitiligo vulgaris). Used in clinical settings.
I was diagnosed with vitiligo vulgaris.
The English loanword 'vitiligo' written in katakana. Recognized by some, especially in international contexts, but less common than 白斑.
I'm researching treatments for vitiligo.
Describing the appearance of vitiligo in casual conversation, without using medical terms.
A common way to describe depigmentation: 'the skin color comes out/fades'. Natural in daily speech.
There are parts where the skin color has faded and turned white.
Literally 'white spots'. A simple descriptive phrase.
I got white spots on my arm.
Means 'pigment fades'. Slightly more technical but still used in everyday explanations.
If you need to explain vitiligo to someone unfamiliar with the term, use descriptive phrases like 肌の色が抜ける (the skin color fades) or 白い斑点ができる (white spots appear). These are more easily understood than the medical term 白斑.
While ビティリゴ exists, it is not as widely recognized as 白斑. In casual settings, it may cause confusion. Stick to 白斑 in medical contexts and descriptive phrases otherwise.
The pigment has faded and the skin has turned white.