Loading...

Media is loading
 

Date of Award

Spring 2024

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Diana Hawthorne

Abstract

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the destruction of melanocytes resulting in a loss of skin pigmentation. The skin condition affects 0.5-2% of people worldwide, with an equal prevalence amongst children and adults of both genders. Vitiligo can reduce one’s quality of life due to the psychosocial burden and negative perceptions towards skin condition. The depigmentation disorder is divided into two main categories: non-segmental, affecting the body symmetrically and segmental, which is localized to one or more segments of the skin. While the exact etiology of the condition is still being explored, there is now a consensus that vitiligo is an autoimmune condition with inciting factors such as metabolic abnormalities, genetics, oxidative stress, and environmental hazards. Various therapeutic interventions are still being explored and there has yet been a superior mainstay of effective therapy. In this paper, I analyze the pathogenesis of vitiligo while exploring advancements in treatment for the skin condition.

Download

Share

COinS
 

Vitiligo: Pathogenesis, Psychosocial Impact, and New Therapeutic Targets

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the destruction of melanocytes resulting in a loss of skin pigmentation. The skin condition affects 0.5-2% of people worldwide, with an equal prevalence amongst children and adults of both genders. Vitiligo can reduce one’s quality of life due to the psychosocial burden and negative perceptions towards skin condition. The depigmentation disorder is divided into two main categories: non-segmental, affecting the body symmetrically and segmental, which is localized to one or more segments of the skin. While the exact etiology of the condition is still being explored, there is now a consensus that vitiligo is an autoimmune condition with inciting factors such as metabolic abnormalities, genetics, oxidative stress, and environmental hazards. Various therapeutic interventions are still being explored and there has yet been a superior mainstay of effective therapy. In this paper, I analyze the pathogenesis of vitiligo while exploring advancements in treatment for the skin condition.