Information about Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a disease characterized by loss of skin color. Vitiligo affects about 0.5% of the world's population. Treatment may help, but this disease has no cure. The lesions are formed due to the decrease or absence of melanocytes (cells responsible for the formation of melanin, pigment that color the skin) in the affected sites. The causes of the disease are not yet clearly established, but autoimmune phenomena seem to be associated with vitiligo. In addition, emotional changes or traumas may be among the factors that trigger or aggravate the disease. The diagnosis of vitiligo is essentially clinical, since the hypopigmented spots usually have a characteristic location and distribution. It is good to point out that the diagnosis should be made by a dermatologist. It will determine the type of vitiligo of the patient, check for any associated autoimmune disease and indicate the most appropriate therapy.
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