- Is a long term condition characterised by loss of pigment
- Skin appears with depigmented patches
- It can start at any age and the cause is unknown
- However is considered an autoimmune condition (the body’s immune system destroys the melanocytes)
- Patients can associate other autoimmune conditions and quite common thyroid dysfunction
- Depigmented patches have predilection for face, genitals, hands but can show up anywhere on the body
- The hair on these patches tends to become white too
- Halo nevi (a mole surrounded by a white halo) can be an early precursor of vitiligo diagnosis
- There are various clinical forms
- The evolution is unpredictable: can progress slowly, can remain stable or repigment spontaneously
- Diagnosis is clinical, however in some selected cases skin biopsy might be recommended
- Treatments can be helpful in restoring the pigmentation and include topical preparations phototherapy and laser