Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting disorder of the skin, in which pigment cells (melanocytes) are lost.

Symptoms and complication

It presents with well-defined milky-white patches of skin (leukoderma). Vitiligo can affect any part of the body. Complete loss of pigment can affect a single patch of skin, or it may affect multiple patches. Vitiligo results in reduced quality of life and psychological difficulties in many patients.

Causes

• Vitiligo is due to the loss or destruction of melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin:
• Autoimmunity
• Genetic susceptibility

Diagnosis: Clinical

Treatment: General measures

• Cosmetic camouflage: Make-up, dyes and stain, Micropigmentation or tattooing
• Topical: Corticosteroid creams tacrolimus ointment.
• Phototherapy: Systemic immunosuppressants like steroids and Surgical treatment.