[Vitiligo]

Abstract

Vitiligo is a disorder in which, owing to disappearance of melanocytes in the skin, sharply delimited, symmetrically arranged white patches develop. The condition occurs in 1-2% of the population, mostly between the ages of 10 and 30 years, and as often in males as in females. The course is usually progressive with periods of stability. A number of autoimmune diseases and dermatoses coincide with vitiligo. The cause of vitiligo is unknown. Hereditary factors, autoimmunization, neurological disorders and autodestruction have been hypothesized. Repigmentation therapy consists of photo(chemo)therapy use of corticosteroids, and transplantation of pigment cells. For patients in whom this fails and with more than 80% cutaneous involvement, total depigmentation therapy could be considered.