Estimating the burden of vitiligo: a systematic review and modelling study

Written on behalf of the Global Vitiligo Atlas (GLOVA) and published in Lancet Public Health in March 2024, this study addresses the lack of standardized global epidemiological data on vitiligo, a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by depigmented skin patches. Using a systematic review and modelling analysis, the researchers estimated the global, regional, and national prevalence and incidence of vitiligo. They found that the global lifetime prevalence is approximately 0.36% in the general population, with higher rates in adults compared to children, and notable variations across different regions. The study underscores the importance of standardized data collection to inform public health policies and improve vitiligo diagnosis and management, while highlighting the need to expand research efforts to include under-represented individuals and populations in order to effectively address the worldwide burden of vitiligo.