Which rare skin condition was Michael Jackson diagnosed?

Michael Jackson was diagnosed with vitiligo, a condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigment. The disorder occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, are destroyed or stop functioning, often creating sharply contrasting light and dark areas.

Jackson's dermatologist, Arnold Klein, said he observed signs of vitiligo in 1983, and the condition was also listed in Jackson's autopsy records. As the depigmented patches spread, Jackson reportedly used makeup and medical treatments to create a more even appearance. This contributed to years of public speculation about changes in his skin color.

Vitiligo is not the same as albinism, which is an inherited condition affecting pigment production throughout the body from birth. It is also unrelated to rare conditions such as Blau syndrome or argyria. Vitiligo can affect people of any ethnic background, and its course varies widely: some people develop only a few patches, while others experience extensive depigmentation.