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Vitiligo

Autoimmune Depigmenting Skin Disorder

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dermatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Vitiligo?

Autoimmune destruction of melanocytes with interferon-gamma/CXCL10 pathway activation.

Clinical subtypes: non-segmental (generalized, acrofacial, universal) and segmental.

Associated autoimmune disorders: thyroid disease, alopecia areata, type 1 diabetes.

Trichrome, confetti lesions, and Koebner phenomenon suggest active progression.

Symptoms

Well-demarcated milky-white macules/patches
Periorificial (eyes, mouth, nose) and acral distribution common
Koebner phenomenon: new lesions at sites of trauma
Leukotrichia (white hairs) within patches — worse prognosis for repigmentation
Ocular and auditory melanocyte involvement (rare)
Emotional, social, and cultural distress

Risk Factors

Family history of vitiligo or autoimmune disease
Personal autoimmunity (thyroid, alopecia areata, pernicious anemia)
Mechanical trauma, friction, severe sunburn
Psychological stress and major life events
Occupational chemicals (phenolic compounds) — chemical leukoderma
Genetic polymorphisms (NLRP1, PTPN22, TYR)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • New or rapidly expanding depigmented patches
  • Psychosocial distress affecting quality of life
  • Associated symptoms suggesting thyroid or other autoimmune disease

Treatment Methods

01
Topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) as first-line
02
Topical JAK inhibitor (ruxolitinib cream) for non-segmental facial/body disease
03
Narrowband UVB phototherapy (NB-UVB) for widespread disease
04
Excimer laser/light for localized stable lesions
05
Surgical grafting (melanocyte transplantation) for stable segmental disease
06
Photoprotection, camouflage, and screening for associated autoimmune comorbidity

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dermatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dermatoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.