Currently, the exact aetiology of vitiligo remains obscure, but many factors have been implicated in the development of the disease including infections, stress, neural abnormalities, defective melanocyte adhesion, and genetic susceptibility. Vitiligo is caused by an autoimmune reaction against melanocytes leading to melanocyte loss. The cause of vitiligo is an interaction between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors as shared by Dr Rashmi Aderao, dermatology consultant at Ruby Hall Clinic Pune.
Currently, the exact aetiology of vitiligo remains obscure, but many factors have been implicated in the development of the disease including infections, stress, neural abnormalities, defective melanocyte adhesion, and genetic susceptibility. The biochemical hypothesis argues that melanocyte destruction is due to the accumulation of toxic metabolites from melanogenesis, the breakdown of free-radical defence, and an excess of hydrogen peroxide. • External Factors: Trauma, sunburn, and exposure to certain chemicals can precipitate or worsen vitiligo by inducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.
• Infections : Viral and bacterial infections might trigger immune responses that cross-react with melanocytes. Regulatory T Cells (Tregs): These cells normally suppress autoimmune responses, but their function may be impaired in vitiligo patients, allowing the immune system to attack melanocytes. Melanocyte Defects: Intrinsic Defects: Melanocytes in vitiligo patients m.