Vitiligo: a review of the literature

Abstract

Vitiligo is a relatively common dermatologic finding that has been observed since ancient times. It affects both sexes equally and the mean age at onset is between 10 and 30 years. Depigmentation of the skin, with loss of melanocytes on histology characterizes this disorder.
The objective of this study was to investigate scientific findings on the classification,
aetiology and treatment of vitiligo, published in reviews indexed by the Medline database
between 1990 and 2005.
On the basis of this analysis of the literature, it is possible to discern an increase in the
volume of publications. Vitiligo has been and continues to be studied in great depth with
the objective of identifying its causes and possible treatment strategies.
The cause of vitiligo remains unknown, although an autoimmune pathogenesis seems most
likely. Treatment also remains difficult. New and emerging therapies have been proposed
such as topical immunomodulators, allied to traditional therapies with psoralen and
steroids.

Keywords: Hypopigmentation; Depigmentation; Vitiligo; Etiopathology; Skin disease.

Sudanese Journal of Dermatology Vol. 4 (2) 2006: pp. 55-63