An extensive review of vitiligo-associated conditions

Abstract

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder caused by the destruction of melanocytes in various body regions. Numerous diseases may accompany vitiligo. The prevalence of vitiligo varies among geographical regions and shows no relation to sex or age. However, vitiligo most commonly affects people aged 10 to 30 years. The clinical symptoms of vitiligo include irregular patches on the skin and various diseases associated with this disorder. The present review focuses on the clinical effects and risk factors of vitiligo-associated conditions and the current therapeutics for treating vitiligo. This systematic review was performed based on the PRISMA guidelines and articles published from 2000 to 2023 in several electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and others). The most clinically significant diseases associated with vitiligo are alopecia areata, autoimmune thyroid disease, Addison's disease, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. No targeted population is specifically prone to vitiligo; it does not affect any particular race or sex. Hence, awareness of the diseases associated with vitiligo is necessary to control them through various medical and surgical treatments with the proper facilities.