Prevalence and Burden of Vitiligo in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America

Vitiligo, affecting 0.5%-2.0% of the global population, presents a significant psychosocial burden, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where data on its prevalence and management are limited. Studies, primarily from the Middle East and Brazil, report vitiligo prevalence ranging from 0.18% to 5.3% in Africa and the Middle East, and 0.04% to 0.57% in Latin America, with higher rates often observed in females. Non-segmental vitiligo is the most common variant, and common comorbidities include autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and alopecia areata. There is a lack of comprehensive treatment guidelines, except in Brazil and Argentina, highlighting the need for large-scale epidemiological studies and tailored management strategies that address genetic, psychosocial, and socioeconomic factors in these regions.