Vitiligo management update

Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder caused by the disappearance of pigment cells from the epidermis, and results in well defined white patches that are often symmetrically distributed. The lack of melanin pigment makes the lesional skin more sensitive to sunburn. Vitiligo can be cosmetically disfiguring and is a stigmatizing condition, leading to serious psychological problems in daily life. It occurs worldwide in about 1% of the population, mostly between the ages of 10-30 years, and as often in males as in females. The cause is unknown, but might involve genetic factors, autoimmunity, toxic metabolites, and/or a higher vulnerability of melanocytes. Some new treatments for this condition include corticosteroid + UVA treatment, UVB narrow wave band (311 nm) irradiation, and transplantation of autologous pigment cells. In widespread vitiligo, residual pigment can be removed by depigmentation agents. Sunscreens, camouflage products and good guidance may help the patient to better cope with this disease.