Paint human?

Question

I know a child of mixed race. This child is mostly one color but has a large area of skin and a few scattered spots that are a bit darker in color. This isn't extreme, like black and white, it's more like tan and brown. The child is maybe 80% tan and 20% brown. You've heard of a paint horse? Well, this child is kind of like a paint human.

Is this color pattern a result of mixed race or just a very large birth mark?

PS - The child is not at all embarassed by the two tone look and doesn't try to hide it when wearing a bathing suit. I think acceptance of self is a great thing. I'm just curious about the pattern.

I don't think it's vitiligo since that's basically a condition of lighter colored patches on a dark skinned person. This is the opposite, darker colored patches on a mostly light-skinned person.

Also, the child's family owns paint horses and the child is the one I got the paint horse reference from. "I'm a paint human just like my pony. We match."

Answer 1

I'm not sure, but it sounds like this child may have the condition vitiligo:

http://www.nvfi.org/vitiligoBasics.shtml

Answer 2

Could be Vitiligo. I highly doubt its a result of being mixed race, I think the child just has some lighter pigments like a birthmark?

"Half of people with vitiligo develop patches of de-pigmented skin appearing on extremities before their 20s. The patches may grow or remain constant in size. Patches often occur symmetrically across both sides on the body ."


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitiligo

Answer 3

It could be Vitiligo
In type A, the vitiligo present as multiple white patches which are generalized and symmetrical. The limbs, face and neck are the areas most commonly involved.
In type B, the vitiligo presents as localized patches in a segmental distribution.

Answer 4

It is just increased pirmentation in many areas. I am white as far as I know. Yet I have spots like that.

I think the problem is more yours then the kids.