What is vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterised by the presence of white patches. This disease, of unknown origin, causes the destruction of melanocytes, responsible for melanin production and, therefore, the skin pigmentation.

Vitiligo can affect any part of the body, but the areas that are most affected are usually the face, genitals, hands and wrists.

There are different theories about the origin of the disease. It is believed to be an autoimmune disease in which the body destroys its own melanocytes because they are considered foreign bodies. However, it is also stated that in vitiligo some predisposing factors (genetic – 30% of cases according to specialists) and some triggering factors (environmental) are involved. Many patients attribute their vitiligo to physical trauma, emotional stress or other illnesses.