Vitiligo, from Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Advances: State of the Art

Vitiligo is an acquired hypopigmentation of the skin due to a progressive selective loss of melanocytes; it has a prevalence of 1-2% and appears as rounded, well-demarcated white macules. The etiopathology of the disease has not been well defined, but multiple factors contribute to melanocyte loss: metabolic abnormalities, oxidative stress, inflammation, and autoimmunity. Therefore, a convergence theory was proposed that combines all existing theories into a comprehensive one in which several mechanisms contribute to the reduction of melanocyte viability. In addition, increasingly in-depth knowledge about the disease's pathogenetic processes has enabled the development of increasingly targeted therapeutic strategies with high efficacy and fewer side effects. The aim of this paper is, by conducting a narrative review of the literature, to analyze the pathogenesis of vitiligo and the most recent treatments available for this condition.

Automated summary

Vitiligo is a condition characterized by acquired hypopigmentation of the skin due to the progressive loss of melanocytes. The exact underlying causes are not well defined, but metabolic abnormalities, oxidative stress, inflammation, and autoimmunity are believed to play a role in the disease. A convergence theory that combines various mechanisms has been proposed to explain the reduction in melanocyte viability. Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of vitiligo have led to the development of more targeted and effective treatments with fewer side effects. This paper provides a narrative review of the literature to examine the pathogenesis and recent treatment options for vitiligo.