Vitiligo and autoimmune diseases

Abstract

Vitiligo is a quite frequently occurring skin disease. Although it does not cause any pain or internal organ damage, it constitutes a significant cosmetic problem having a significant impact on quality of life. A number of factors can influence the disease pathogenesis, including the genetic background, environmental factors and stress. Studies performed in recent years indicate the role of immunological phenomena in the development of vitiligo, as is confirmed by co-occurrence with other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, diabetes and many autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes. In the manuscript the clinical presentation, course of the disease and prognostic symptoms are also presented. Understanding the causes of skin depigmentation may allow for the development of effective therapeutic methods, and the knowledge of coexistence with other autoimmune diseases will help with the early diagnostic process.