The term Vitiligo has been derived from Latin word viellus meaning spotted calf.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which there is loss of melanocytes. Consequently, there is depigmentation of the skin.
Typically, there are white patches with or without pigmented borders.
Clinical Features
- Well-demarcated patches of pigmented skin with or without pigmented borders.
- Peripheries are the most affected parts.
- Trauma may result in appearance of new lesions. This is known as Koebner’s phenomenon.
Associations
- Association with other autoimmune disorders: Vitiligo is often associated with other autoimmune conditions such as type-1 diabetes mellitus, Addison’s disease, Autoimmune thyroid disorders, Pernicious anemia, Alopecia areata
- There may be a premature ovarian failure in female patients with vitiligo.
Treatment
- Apply sunscreen and camouflage cosmetics.
- If applied early, topical corticosteroids may reverse the changes.
- Topical tacrolimus and phototherapy may have a role. However, caution is needed in light-skinned patients with these therapies.