Abstract

Background Vitiligo is a multifactorial disease which is characterized by apparently healthy milky white macules and patches due to loss of functioning melanocytes from the epidermis, mucous membranes and sometimes hair follicles.

Objectives evaluation of the inflammatory cell infiltrate in vitiligo patients.

Methods Forty-six nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV) patients had been included in this study. Histological hematoxylin and eosin staining of the mononuclear infiltrate were evaluated by microscopic examination.

Results The inflammatory infiltrates in the marginal skin were significantly abundent when compared to the non leisonal skin (p=0.005*). On the other hand, the difference between the marginal skin and the leisonal skin was insignificant (p=0.083).

Conclusion The inflammatory infiltrate of non-segmental vitiligo is more abundant in the marginal skin than the non leisonal skin. The active lesion's margin is regarded as a critical site for active melanocyte destruction by the inflammatory infiltrate; thus, marginal infiltrates are abundant in active lesions.