Does psychological stress trigger or exacerbate vitiligo: More data are needed

• Main Authors: Seba N Almutairi, Mohammed I Aljasser
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2020-01-01
• Series: Journal of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery
• Subjects: dermatology; life events; psychological stress; skin; stress; stressful event; vitiligo
• Online Access: http://www.jddsjournal.org/article.asp?issn=2352-2410;year=2020;volume=24;issue=2;spage=81;epage=83;aulast=Almutairi

Background: Vitiligo is a common disorder characterized by depigmentation due to autoimmune destruction of melanocytes. The role of psychological stress in causing vitiligo is not well characterized. Purpose: This article aims at reviewing the role of stress in triggering and/or exacerbating vitiligo. Methods: Seven relevant studies were found in the literature search. Results: Most of the studies support the theory that stressful life events may trigger the onset or the progression of vitiligo. Conclusion: Studies depended mainly on retrospective reporting of stressful events could be a major source of bias.