Beyond skin white spots: Vitiligo and associated comorbidities

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Autoimmunology
• Ophthalmology
• Audiology
• Psychology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Vitiligo is a common depigmentation disorder caused by melanocyte loss, presenting as white skin patches.
• Emerging evidence suggests vitiligo is a systemic condition, not solely a dermatological issue.
• The visible skin presentation is considered the 'tip of the iceberg' of the underlying disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To classify and describe the pathogenesis of comorbidities associated with vitiligo.
• To consolidate findings from various reviews and reports on vitiligo comorbidities.
• To emphasize the systemic nature of vitiligo and its associated health conditions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and analysis of existing literature, including reviews and reports.
• Classification of identified comorbidities based on affected systems.
• Description of potential pathogenic mechanisms linking vitiligo to comorbidities.

Main Results:

• Established associations between vitiligo and ocular abnormalities.
• Confirmed links between vitiligo and auditory disorders.
• Documented associations with autoimmune diseases, other dermatological conditions, metabolic syndrome, and psychological disorders.

Conclusions:

• Vitiligo is associated with a wide range of systemic comorbidities.
• The identified associations underscore the need for a multidisciplinary approach in managing vitiligo.
• Further research into the pathogenesis of these comorbidities is warranted.