Is vitiligo autoimmune?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. It is caused by bacteria
• D. It is a fungal infection

Answer: (A)

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly targets melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. This attack leads to the loss of pigment and white patches where melanocytes are destroyed or no longer function. There’s supporting evidence, including associations with other autoimmune diseases and the presence of autoantibodies against melanocytes, and some cases respond to immune-modulating therapies. It is not caused by bacteria or fungi, and it is not contagious. In PMU practice, this means pigment can be harder to predict in affected areas and requires careful assessment and technique, since pigment retention depends on the presence of functioning melanocytes.