THE INTRICACIES OF VITILIGO WITH REFERENCE TO RECENT UPDATES IN TREATMENT MODALITIES

Nargis Khan, Sharique A. Ali* and Naima Parveen

ABSTRACT

Vitiligo is a chronic stigmatizing human disease, affecting melanocytes from epidermis basal layer, leading to the development of hypochromic and achromic patches. Its estimated prevalence is 0.1-2% worldwide, regardless of race, gender or ethnic background. The deforming nature of vitiligo causes high psychosocial morbidity. Historically, the cause of vitiligo has been an extensive topic of debate. A wide range of theories have been put forward including genetic, autoimmune, melanocyte growth factors, autocytotoxic and neurogenic mechanisms. The current ‗state-of-the-art‘ thinking is summarised in the convergence theory which suggests that several factors can act synergistically or independently to induce the disappearance of melanocytes from the skin. Because of its complexity, several therapeutic options are available but the quest for an adequate treatment for vitiligo still continues. In this review, we have described the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate human skin pigmentation, focusing on vitiligo and its least known intricacies. This article is dedicated to the introduction of and discussion about the most recent and innovative researches in the treatment of vitiligo.To assist further progress in vitiligo research, an overview on pathogenesis and recent updates on different nonsurgical and surgical treatment modalities are reviewed. It also provides a description of the newly developed techniques that are in the hands of dermatologists, dermato-cosmetologists, and dermatologic surgeons.

Keywords: Vitiligo, Melanocytes, Genetic, Autoimmune, Pathogenesis.