Pigmentary and Hair Disorders

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder affecting the skin and mucous membranes, primarily considered an autoimmune disease that destroys melanocytes due to altered immunity. It is associated with other autoimmune conditions like Graves disease, Hashimoto thyroiditis, alopecia areata, and pernicious anemia. Oxidative stress and free radicals may also contribute to melanocyte destruction. Vitiligo typically begins around age 20 and affects 0.5% to 1% of the population. It is usually chronic with periods of remission and depigmentation, though spontaneous repigmentation can occur, especially in segmental or focal cases.