Vitiligo
Introduction Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by an absence of pigmentation due to loss of functioning melanocytes. It usually starts between the ages of 10 and 30 years, and tends to be chronic and progressive . The disease is most disfiguring in darker skin types and can have a marked psychological impact (e.g. stigmatization, isolation and low self-esteem). Family support, counselling and cognitive behavioural treatment can be of benefit. Many patients have a family history of vitiligo and a personal or family history of other autoimmune disorders. Management For all patients, recommend avoidance of potential provoking factors , such as stress, sunburn, mechanical or chemical irritation. Wear protective clothing to minimize skin injury Sun protection Although there is no cure for the disease , the available treatments may halt the progression of the disease and induce varying degrees of repigmentation. Treatment modalities (topical, systemic or light-based therapies) are ...