Is Vitiligo Related to Melanocyte Self-Destruction

We know that the main function of melanocytes is to form melanin, which is capable of maintaining a normal, healthy skin tone in the body. The exact pathogenesis of vitiligo is not known, but a lot of information confirms that melanocyte self-destruction may be one of the factors leading to the occurrence of vitiligo.

Some studies also prove that when melanocytes become dysfunctional or structurally damaged, melanin formation decreases or stops, but its degradation and destruction are still going on, resulting in skin pigmentation lightening or loss, leading to vitiligo.

In the process of melanocyte self-destruction, there is an impact on the functional functioning of melanin. As the amount of melanin gradually decreases, the formation of vitiligo is induced. In our study of vitiligo patients, some of them develop when they have severe sunburn or tanning, which also supports the melanocyte self-destruction theory from the side.