Vitiligo is associated with which type of skin condition?

Vitiligo is primarily associated with hormonal changes, particularly because it is often linked to autoimmune processes that can be influenced by various hormonal factors in the body. This skin condition is characterized by the loss of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment, leading to patches of lighter skin. Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, puberty, or with certain endocrine disorders, can play a critical role in triggering or exacerbating vitiligo by influencing immune system activity.

While inflammation can occur in skin conditions, vitiligo is not primarily categorized as an inflammatory disorder like psoriasis or eczema. Similarly, conditions relating to infection or allergies typically present with different symptoms and underlying mechanisms than those seen in vitiligo. Thus, relating vitiligo primarily to hormonal changes provides a more accurate understanding of its pathophysiology and triggers.