Melanocytes

Question 1

ceruloderma

Answer 1

gray, slate, or blue discoloration from inc. in # melanocytes

Question 2

vitiligo

Answer 2

disorder of melanocyte destruction
autoimmun, inflam
depig patches
koebnerization
pts may develop other autoimmune (alopecia areata-hairloss, hypothyroidism, pernicious anemia

Question 3

piebaldism

Answer 3

disorder of melanocyte migration
auto dom
white forelock of hair
depig
muts in c-KIT gene so not activated by steel factor

Question 4

pityriasis alba

Answer 4

disorder of melanocyte down regulation
hypopig patches, macules, +/- scale
common among pts w/ atopic derm. 
peds
not treatment

Question 5

albinism

Answer 5

disorder of altered melanin production
auto rec
ocular issues b/c melanocytes crucial for optic development
defect in tyrosinase 
skin cancer risk

Question 6

melasma

Answer 6

disorder of altered melanin synthesis by hormones
“mask of preggers”
patchy dark pigment deposition on photo exposed areas
inc. estrogen and progest (horm. replace or preggers) –> stim melanin syn.

Question 7

cafe au lait macules

Answer 7

disorder of inc. epidermal melanin
norm # melanocytes
light brown macules/patches, sharp borders
>6 –> check for NF-1

Question 8

hydroquinone

Answer 8

topical bleaching agent

used for melasma