Objective  To investigate the role of red green blue (RGB) and ultraviolet (UV) images in the diagnosis and treatment of vitiligo in patients with head or neck leukoplakia.

  Methods  RGB and UV photos of 608 patients with head or neck leukoplakia were taken using a skin analyzer. The difference of the borders of vitiligo between the RGB and UV images of these patients was qualitatively analyzed.

  Results  Vitiligo lesions under UV were bright fluorescence with clear borders. Of these 608 patients with head or neck leukoplakia, vitiligo was finally confirmed in 281 patients (46.2%) and excluded in 286 patients (47.0%), although 41 (6.7%) remained uncertain. Vitiligo lesions in mucosa and scalp were not obvious, but they could be identified with UV. For borders of vitiligo that were not clear in RGB images, they could be identified in UV images. During the treatment, UV images are more effective in defining the repigmented area and indicating the lesions not visible to the naked eye.

  Conclusions  Combined RGB and UV imaging is effective means for the diagnosis of vitiligo, especially for lesions in mucosa and scalp. They can also provide useful information during the decision-making and evaluation of treatment.