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The immune system

Is vitiligo an autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune mechanisms play a central role in common forms of vitiligo. The immune system mistakenly reacts against pigment-producing melanocytes.

In het kort

Belangrijkste punten

  • Immune involvement
  • Melanocytes are targeted
  • Thyroid disease can be associated
  • Tests depend on symptoms
01

What autoimmune means

The body’s defence system becomes directed against its own cells. In vitiligo this contributes to loss of melanocytes in affected areas.

02

Associated conditions

Autoimmune thyroid disease occurs more often in people with vitiligo. Medical history, symptoms and examination determine whether blood tests are useful; broad testing is not automatically required for everyone.

Redactionele basis

Editorial basis: current AWMF S2k guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of vitiligo, register 013-093, version 2.0 dated 27 July 2026. Reviewed on 2 September 2026.

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