CURRENT UNDERSTANDING OF VITILIGO: A COMPREHENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Michał Stachel; Karol Józef Szkarłat; Maksymilian Szklarski; Jędrzej Sztajura; Szymon Targosz; Weronika Szymacha; Aleksandra Płecka; Ewa Maraszewska; Karol Zimnicki; Alicja Stępień

doi:10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.5355

Authors

Michał Stachel Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3264-4747
Karol Józef Szkarłat Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2889-8382
Maksymilian Szklarski Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6977-0666
Jędrzej Sztajura Students’ Scientific Club, Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8975-731X
Szymon Targosz Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2251-5229
Weronika Szymacha Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1592-5602
Aleksandra Płecka Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0075-5234
Ewa Maraszewska Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0992-7144
Karol Zimnicki Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9687-2641
Alicja Stępień Voivodship Dental Clinic, Consulting Dental Prosthetics Department, Cracow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2717-6030

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.5355

Keywords:

Vitiligo, Depigmentation Disorders, Melanocyte Autoimmunity, JAK Inhibitors, IFN-γ-Chemokine Axis, Quality of Life

Abstract

Introduction and Purpose: Vitiligo is a chronic, acquired autoimmune disorder characterized by the selective destruction of melanocytes, leading to the appearance of well-defined depigmented patches affecting the skin and mucous membranes. It is estimated to affect approximately 0.5 – 2% of the global population. Even though it was once regarded as mainly a cosmetic condition, now it is increasingly being recognized as a systemic disease with substantial psychological consequences. This review aims to summarize current knowledge regarding its genetic background, key immunological pathways and the emerging therapeutic approaches, constantly reshaping patient outcomes.

Description of The State of Knowledge: Recent research has highlighted the complex nature of vitiligo pathogenesis, involving oxidative stress, genetic predisposition and immune-mediated mechanisms. In particular, the IFN-γ-chemokine axis, including CXCL9 and CXCL10, appears to play a central role in melanocyte loss. Clinically, Segmental Vitiligo usually follows a unilateral, dermatomal pattern and is often linked to somatic mosaicism, whereas Non-segmental Vitiligo remains as the most common form and typically presents with symmetrical distribution. Diagnostic precision has also advanced, through the introduction of non-invasive imaging techniques, including reflectance confocal microscopy and molecular biomarkers. From a therapeutic perspective, treatment strategies have moved beyond traditional phototherapy and topical agents to targeted interventions, most notably Janus Kinase inhibitors with ruxolitinib, representing one of the most promising options. Surgical procedures may also be considered in carefully selected patients with stable disease.

Conclusions: Despite remaining a challenging dermatological condition, the progress made in understanding the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying vitiligo, has opened new possibilities for more targeted and effective treatment. The modern approach increasingly combines precise diagnostic evaluation with individualized therapeutic strategies. Effective management now requires a holistic approach that balances both medical and psychological aspects faced by patients.

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