Vitiligo: Pathogenesis, Clinical Features, and Treatment

Abstract

Vitiligo is a depigmenting skin disorder of unknown etiology, which presents with nonscaly, chalky-white macules. Selective loss of melanocytes is the characteristic feature of vitiligo. Of the many theories proposed for melanocyte loss, convergence theory, which suggests that the combination of biochemical, environmental, and immunological factors play a role in the pathophysiology of vitiligo, is currently the most accepted theory. Treatment options include topical and systemic immunosuppressants, phototherapy, and surgical techniques. The subtype, extent, distribution, and activity of disease are the determining factors for treatment choice. In this chapter, the pathogenesis, clinical features of vitiligo, and treatment options are discussed.