Vitiligo: recent insights and new therapeutic approaches
Lotti, T.M.; Berti, S.F.; Hercogova, J.; Huggins, R.H.; Lee, B.W.; Janniger, C.K.; Schwartz, R.A.
Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia Organo Ufficiale Societa Italiana di Dermatologia e Sifilografia 147(6): 637-647
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-0488 PMID: 23149710 Document Number: 661238
Vitiligo represents a selective destruction of the melanocytes. It is a relatively common, probably autoimmune disorder that affects people of all backgrounds and both genders. No particular group seems to be preferentially affected. Half of vitiligo patients have an onset before the age of 18 years. In regions where leprosy is endemic, individuals with vitiligo are often stigmatized due to similarities in appearance between the two diseases. We will review this important subject, emphasizing the latest therapeutic advances.