Vitiligo is a common acquired condition in which the skin and hair become depigmented or hypopigmented. The prevalence of vitiligo ranges between 0.5% and 2% worldwide, and 50% of the cases present before 20 years. Given the visibility of the disease, vitiligo can have psychological effects including low self-esteem, teasing by others, and social anxiety. Topical therapies and phototherapy can safely and effectively repigment the skin and improve quality of life. Here we provide a review of the clinical presentation, epidemiology, associations, pathogenesis, and treatment of vitiligo in the pediatric population.
<H4>ABOUT THE AUTHORS</H4>
<p>Arin L. Isenstein, MD, is Resident Physician, Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina; Dean S. Morrell, MD, is Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina; Craig N. Burkhart, MD, is Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina.</p>
<p>Address correspondence to: UNC Dermatology, 3100 Thurston-Bowles Bldg., CB#7287, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7287; fax 919-966-3898; e-mail <A HREF="MAILTO:aisenste@unch.unc.edu">aisenste@unch.unc.edu</a>.</p>
<p>Dr. Isenstein, Dr. Morrell, and Dr. Burkhart have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.</p>
<p>doi: 10.3928/00904481-20090522-01</p>
