Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a chronic condition characterised by the loss of skin pigmentation. Lesions occur due to a decrease or absence of melanocytes (the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment giving skin its colour). The exact cause is not fully understood, but autoimmune alterations appear to be associated with vitiligo. Emotional stress or trauma may also trigger or worsen the condition.

Vitiligo usually begins around the age of 20, with lesions that may stabilise, improve, or expand over time. Depigmented patches often appear symmetrically, affecting areas such as the eyelids, corners of the mouth, nipples, hands, feet, beard area, navel region, and genitals. In rare cases, the skin may regain its original pigmentation. These areas require strict sun protection year-round to prevent burns and reduce skin cancer risk.

While there is no cure for vitiligo, several treatments can aid in repigmentation of affected areas. Therapeutic options include topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors (immune system enzyme modulators), narrowband UVB phototherapy, photochemotherapy, and Excimer laser therapy. Although effective in some cases, these treatments may cause side effects such as dry or itchy skin.