The Pathogenesis of Vitiligo

Background: Vitiligo is a commonly encountered pigmentary disorder. Numerous studies and investigations from all over the world have attempted to determine the mechanisms behind this disease; however, the pathogenesis of vitiligo remains elusive. Objective: In this comprehensive review article, we present the findings behind the five overarching theories of what causes this disfiguring and psychologically debilitating disease. Method: We begin our discussion with the role of genetic predisposition and move onward to the neural theory first proposed in the 1950s. Next we discuss the autoimmune hypothesis, followed by the reactive oxygen species model, and conclude by describing the findings of the more recent melanocytorrhagy hypothesis. Conclusion: Although the exact pathogenesis of vitiligo is uncertain, each of these theories likely plays a role. Understanding each theory would pave the way for therapeutic advances for this disease.