Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a chronic skin disease characterized by white patches caused by the destruction of melanocytes. The most well-known variant is non-segmental vitiligo, where patches are symmetrically distributed across the entire body, with alternating periods of stability and progression. The white patches arise due to an autoimmune reaction in which cytotoxic T-cells attack the melanocytes. Treatment aims to halt the progression and to achieve repigmentation of existing lesions. The treatment often consists of a combination of topical therapy and phototherapy, sometimes supplemented by systemic corticosteroids or surgical techniques. However, recently new treatments have entered the market, notably treatment with JAK inhibitors (both topical and systemic), with promising results.