The Obstacles and Impediments to the
Diagnosis and Treatment  of Vitiligo in Latin America

Vitiligo is an acquired, chronic pigmentary disorder in which the loss of melanocytes leads to achromic macules or patches of different sizes and shapes that appear on the skin and mucous membranes. It has a complex pathogenesis with a dynamic interplay between genetic and environmental risks that trigger autoimmunity. Vitiligo has a substantial impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients, caregivers, and family, with severe emotional and psychological repercussions. In Latin America (LA), it carries an underrecognized burden for patients, healthcare systems, and society. The lack of knowledge about vitiligo and its cause creates misconceptions about its transmissibility, generating stigmatization and discrimination.

Globally, vitiligo is a disease with myriad unmet needs. These include insufficient comprehensive diagnosis criteria, limited approved treatment options, and scarce predictive markers or models. There is no definitive treatment for vitiligo patients, highlighting the need for new therapies. More research is needed into the pathophysiology of vitiligo, which may lead to improved treatment.

As a result, the Americas Health Foundation (AHF) conducted a virtual meeting with six LA experts in the field of dermatology to develop a manuscript to assess the landscape of vitiligo and address existing gaps and issues surrounding the disease in the region. In addition, AHF conducted a multi-country survey with over 300 LA experts in dermatology to help bridge the gaps in data and knowledge surrounding vitiligo in LA. The resulting data was used to inform and guide the consensus discussions which generated the manuscript entitled "The Obstacles and Impediments to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vitiligo in Latin America",  which has been published at the Journal of Dermatological Treatment. Click here to read the full article.