vitiligo Flashcards
What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a relatively common, sometimes familial disorder characterized by depigmentation of the skin. It can start at any age but often begins in young adults.
How do Vitiligo lesions present?
Lesions in Vitiligo start as small white macules that become progressively larger and confluent, leading to bizarre shapes.
What are the common locations of Vitiligo lesions?
Common locations include the hands, feet, and skin around body openings such as the eyes, nose, mouth, lips, umbilicus, genitals, and anus.
How is genital Vitiligo distinguished from lichen sclerosis?
Vitiligo of the genital area should be distinguished from lichen sclerosis, which involves depigmentation and atrophy usually limited to this area.
What is the pathophysiology of Vitiligo?
The depigmenting process in Vitiligo is due to the loss of melanocytes
What are the clinical features of Vitiligo?
Clinical features include well-defined milky-white patches of skin (leukoderma) and pigment loss that commonly begins before age 20. There is a higher risk of autoimmune conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, pernicious anemia, Addison’s disease, SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis
What are some management strategies for Vitiligo?
Management strategies include minimizing skin injury, cosmetic camouflage (make-up, tans, tattooing), sun protection, corticosteroid creams, experimental use of Ruxolitinib for facial vitiligo, phototherapy, systemic treatments (oral steroids, methotrexate, Ciclosporin, minocycline), and depigmentation therapy in severely affected dark-skinned individuals.
