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
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Vitiligo is due to the loss or destruction of melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin:
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Autoimmunity
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Genetic susceptibility
Diagnosis: Clinical
Treatment: General measures
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Cosmetic camouflage: Make-up, dyes and stain, Micropigmentation or tattooing
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Topical: Corticosteroid creams tacrolimus ointment.
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Phototherapy: Systemic immunosuppressants like steroids and Surgical treatment.