Vitiligo: A White Patch That Affects the Soul

Vitiligo was a skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment, resulting in white patches with sharp margins, which could also affect hair, mouth, and nose. It often started on sun-exposed areas and was more noticeable in people with dark skin. The condition could cause psychological stress and stigma. The exact cause was unknown but was believed to involve genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers leading to an autoimmune response that destroyed pigment cells. Risk factors included a family history of vitiligo or other autoimmune diseases like thyroid disease, alopecia, and pernicious anemia. Vitiligo was classified into segmental (10% of cases, affecting one side and not worsening) and non-segmental (affecting both sides and generally worsening over time). Diagnosis could be confirmed by a skin biopsy.