Vitiligo overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Vitiligo (IPA Template:IPA) or leukoderma is a chronic skin condition that causes loss of pigment, resulting in irregular pale patches of skin. The precise cause of vitiligo is complex and not fully understood. There is some evidence suggesting it is caused by a combination of auto-immune, genetic, and environmental factors. The population incidence in the United States is considered to be 1%.
Historical Perspective
Classification
Vitiligo can be classified in two clinical subtypes. One is segmented vitiligo, which affects only 1 segment of the body (face, arm or leg); and non-segmented vitiligo, involving more than 1 segment, such as both knees or both hands.
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Vitiligo from other Diseases
There are many conditions that are included in the differential diagnosis of vitiligo, the most common are pityriasis alba, postinflammatory hypopigmentation, tinea versicolor, halo nevus, tuberous sclerosis and albinism.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Vitiligo is the most common human pigmentation disorder, with a prevalence of 1,000/100,000 (1%) of the population. Males and females are equally affected. Half of patients are diagnosed before the age of 20.
Risk Factors
Autoimmune diseases and a family history of vitiligo are considered risk factors for developing this condition. A patient that has a relative with vitiligo has an increased risk of developing the disease and having an earlier onset.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Vitiligo is an asymptomatic disease that commonly presents during the second decade of life, with a gradual depigmentation over time.[1][2]
Physical Examination
Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition that causes loss of pigment, resulting in irregular pale patches of skin that may be distributed according to different patterns.
Laboratory Findings
There are no laboratory abnormalities in vitiligo disease. Consideration should be given to ordering laboratory studies to exclude the presence of other associated conditions such as pernicious anemia, Addison's disease and thyroid disease.
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Primary Prevention
Support organizations
Support groups and organizations are available to help people learn more about vitiligo, understand treatment options, and find support from other people with vitiligo.
Vitiligo Support International is the largest vitiligo organization in the world. The nonprofit organization provides free access to online message boards, chat rooms, frequently asked questions, information and articles, as well as a patient-referred doctor search. The group advocates on behalf of patients, conducts patient conferences and has local support groups.
The National Vitiligo Foundation (NVF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides access to online resources, physician listings, frequently asked questions (etc); funds research through grants and sponsors local support groups and workshop style conferences.
The American Vitiligo Research Foundation Inc. (AVRF) is a non-profit, tax-exempt charity that aims to increase public awareness about vitiligo and to help those affected by vitiligo, focusing specifically on children and their families. It supports finding a cure through alternatives to animal testing.
VITFriends,LLC is a support group in the North East USA. Formed in 2004, VITFriends is still growing and touching the world. We are a web-community offering words of encouragement and sharing hope to individuals dealing with Vitiligo. The goals is to bring public awareness about this condition as we share HOPE.[2]
References
- ↑ Soutor, Carol (2013). Clinical dermatology. New York: McGraw-Hill Education/Lange Medical Books. ISBN 978-0-07-177296-9.
- ↑ Taïeb, Alain; Picardo, Mauro (2007). "The definition and assessment of vitiligo: a consensus report of the Vitiligo European Task Force". Pigment Cell Research. 20 (1): 27–35. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0749.2006.00355.x. ISSN 0893-5785.