Disease directory
Vitiligo
Published: September 18, 2026Updated: September 18, 2026
Important: Informational content intended for healthcare professionals. It does not replace clinical evaluation or establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Overview
- Definition and synonyms
- An acquired skin disorder characterized by achromic macules/plaques due to functional loss and/or destruction of melanocytes, typically without desquamation. Bergqvist 2020 , Ezzedine 2015
- Relevant clinical synonyms/variants: non-segmental (generalized), segmental , focal , acrofacial , universal (virtually total) vitiligo. Ezzedine 2012
- First description
- The condition has been known since antiquity; the term “vitiligo” is associated with classical descriptions (e.g., Greco-Roman medicine) and its modern conceptualization is consolidated with contemporary dermatology. Ezzedine 2015
- Epidemiology
- Significant global impact; reported prevalence varies by methodology and region. Bergqvist 2020
- Modern estimates using systematic review and modeling (up to May 2023): global lifetime prevalence around 0.36% (diagnosed by a physician/dermatologist), with differences by age and region. Akl 2024
- It can begin in childhood or early adulthood; both sexes are affected similarly. Bergqvist 2020
- Codes
- ICD-10: L80 (vitiligo). (Standard code; its use for identifying cases in databases has been validated in research). Cheng 2025
- ICD-11 (WHO): ED63.0 (Vitiligo). (WHO classification code).
- Diagnostic checklist (quick)
- History: onset, rate of progression, Koebner sign, previous treatments, personal/family autoimmunity. Bergqvist 2020
- Examination: pattern (segmental/non-segmental), extent, mucous membranes, hair (leukotrichia). Ezzedine 2012
- Wood + clinical photo for baseline. Taïeb 2007
- Targeted laboratory: TSH + anti-TPO (reasonable minimum in many scenarios). Fan 2018
- Biopsy only if in doubt : punch (preferred) H&E + IHC. Faria 2014
Doctors who treat Vitiligo
Directory specialists related to Vitiligo.
There are no specialists associated with this record yet
You can browse the full directory and filter by the condition you're interested in.
Go to directory