Vitiligo: A Patch on Skin and the Mind

Vitiligo, an autoimmune pigmentary disorder characterized by the destruction of melanocytes, has a significant impact on patients’ lives beyond the physical manifestations. Vitiligo has a high psychosocial burden and is associated with a variety of autoimmune comorbidities. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the etiology, classification, and treatment of vitiligo. Vitiligo typically requires an early intervention and combination of traditional and modern therapies, including phototherapy, laser treatments, topical agents, systemic agents, and surgical options. A detailed analysis of the type of vitiligo and response to treatment addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the disease can provide a holistic management strategy, aiming to improve the patient’s quality of life.