Value of histopathology in vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Histopathologic studies of vitiligo have been rather limited in number, thus the microscopic features of this common disorder are not very well known. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Skin specimens from 20 human vitiligo patients and skin specimens from five equine vitiligo patients were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Absence of melanocytes, increased number of Langerhans' cells, epidermal vacuolization, thickening of the basement membrane, T-cell inflammatory infiltrate, and neural alterations were noted in the vitiligo lesions. These results may explain the development of depigmentation, but do not yet fully explain why and how this occurs.