Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common acquired disorder characterized by depigmentation of the skin and/or mucous membranes. Vitiligo affects 0.5-2% of the world population, with an average age of onset of 20 years. In men over the age of 40 years seeking prostate screening in Brazil, 0.7% had genital vitiligo. Vitiligo is a multifactorial disorder with a complex pathogenesis. Vitiligo is a benign disorder with a chronic relapsing course. The most common differential diagnoses in the genital area include lichen sclerosus and postinflammatory hypopigmentation. The diagnosis of vitiligo is generally clinical, and Wood's lamp examination may enhance unnoticed lesions. Interfollicular pigmentation, a pigmentary network within the lesions, and lesional and perilesional telangiectasia may also be observed. Occasional lymphocytes may be noted at the advancing border of the lesions. Vitiligo is a benign disorder with a chronic relapsing course. Typical lesions consist of well-demarcated, white amelanotic macules or patches of variable size.