Melanocyte Related Disorders- Vitiligo And Hyperpigmentation Flashcards
Description of Vitiligo
-loss of skin colour patches that grow with time
-affects the skin on any part of the body
-occurs when cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning
-affects people of any skin types
-Not life-threatening or contagious
Causes of Vitiligo
-pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin
-immune system disorder (autoimmune condition)
-trigger event like stress, severe sunburn, skin trauma
Complications of Vitiligo
-social or psychological distress
-sunburn
-eye problems
-hearing loss
Signs and symptoms of Vitiligo
-patchy loss of skin colour
-premature whitening or greying of the hair scalp
-loss of colour in the tissues line the inside of your mouth and nose
Types of Vitiligo and where it affects
-nearly all skin surfaces (universal vitiligo)
-many parts of your body (generalized vitiligo)
-only one side or part of your body (segmental vitiligo)
-one or only a few areas of your body (localised vitiligo)
-the face and hands (acrofacial vitiligo)
Diagnosis of Vitiligo
The doctor will ask about your medical history and examine your skin with a special lamp include skin biopsy and blood tests
Types of treatment for Vitiligo
-general treatment (avoidance of trauma / camouflage)
-topical treatment (Topical corticosteroid / Topical tacrolimus / depigmentation)
-phototherapy (NVUVB (Narrow Band UVB) / Topical PUVA / Oral PUVA / Excimer laser)
-surgical treatment
What is Hyperpigmentation ?
A term that describes skin that appears darker
-can be a symptom of other medical condition
Description:
•occur in small patches
•cover large areas
•affect entire body
Types of Hyperpigmentation
-Melasma (caused by hormonal changes, can appear in any area of the body but appear commonly on stomach and face)
-Sunspots (common, called liver spots / solar lentigines, caused by excess sun exposure over time, appear as spots on areas exposed to the sun)
-Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (caused by injury or inflammation to the skin, caused by acne)
Symptoms of Hyperpigmentation
-darkened areas of the skin
-patches can vary in size
-develop anywhere on the body
Causes of Hyperpigmentation
-Addison’s Disease
-excess production of melanin
-sun exposure
-certain medications
-Pregnancy
Diagnosis of Hyperpigmentation
A dermatologist can diagnose the cause of Hyperpigmentation. They will request your medical history and give physical exam to determine the cause. Sometimes, a skin biopsy is necessary.
How to treat Hyperpigmentation
-Topical prescription medication
-Topical Hydroquinone
-Topical Retinoids
-Home care like sunscreen
