Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Vitiligo is characterized by an insidious pigment deficiency, usually beginning in adolescence, that results in sharply demarcated white patches of the skin, especially on the face, neck, hands, and anogenital area.
The etiopathogenesis of vitiligo is considered multifactorial.
The disease is considered to be a T-cell mediated autoimmune disorder.
Vitiligo is due to autoimmune destruction of melanocytes (pigment-forming cells of the skin). The cause is unclear, hereditary factors are possible. Often another autoimmune disease is found.
Mechanical stimuli such as injury and stress are thought to be able to trigger vitiligo.
Etiology (causes)
Biographic causes
- Genetic burden from parents, grandparents is suspected:
- 25% of patients have relatives who also have vitiligo
- Frequency of vitiligo among siblings is 6.1%; thus, it is 18 times higher than in the overall population
- In monozygotic twins (= identical twins), concordance (occurrence of a trait or disease in both twins (monozygotic or dizygotic)) is “only” 23%; this indicates additional non-genetic triggers
Behavioral factors that may trigger vitiligo:
- Stress
- Mechanical stimuli, injuries
