Vitiligo

Abstract

The prevalence of vitiligo is between 0.5% and 1% in the population, the most common acquired depigmentation disorder. Hypopigmented macules are formed as a result of melanocyte death. Its etiology is still not fully elucidated, it is a multifactorial disease. Polygenic type genetic susceptibility is supported by familial accumulation (15- 30%). The complex interaction of non-immunological and immunological factors is key during the development of the disease. Due to intensive research in recent years, it has become clear that cells other than melanocytes, such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, natural killer (NK) cells, and other cells of the innate immune system are involved in its pathogenesis. Furthermore, a special group of T lymphocytes, the tissue-resident memory T cells, play a key role also in the development and recurrence of the disease. The aim of the treatment is to stop progression, to achieve repigmentation, which is transient in 40% of cases.