Vitiligo: A mini review

Abstract

Vitiligo is a common depigmentation disorder and is mainly characterized by white patches of irregular shapes with clear boundaries on the skin. Although vitiligo is not a fatal disease and is not contagious, it can affect a person’s appearance and can cause great psychological distress. Approximately 1%–2% of the general population has vitiligo, and an estimated 20% has a family history of the disease. Vitiligo can be further classified into segmental and systemic vitiligo. Clinically, there are many skin depigmentation diseases that are easily confused with vitiligo, such as tinea versicolor, pityriasis alba, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, and chemical vitiligo, which need to be differentiated by a physician for correct diagnosis. The doctor will have to conduct a pathological examination of the skin to rule out any malignant diseases known to have reduced or absent melanocytes.

Keywords

• segmental vitiligo
• tuberculoid leprosy
• vitiligo