Childhood vitiligo

Vitiligo represents an autoimmune destruction of cutaneous melanocytes. One percent to 2% of the general population is affected with this disorder,(1) with prominence in the pediatric population. Half of the patients with vitiligo experience disease onset as children or adolescents,(1) when self-images are being formed and social acceptance is most important. As a result, even if skin pigmentation eventually is restored, the effect vitiligo has on interpersonal relationships and self-image can leave psychological scars. There are major differences in vitiligo in the pediatric population that have had important implications for the management of this disease.