Vtiligo Flashcards
What is vitiligo and what cells are affected?
Vitiligo is a condition characterised by the loss of skin pigmentation, arising from the destruction or malfunction of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin.
How does vitiligo typically manifest on the body?
It manifests as irregular, often sharply demarcated, white patches on various parts of the body, notably on the scalp affecting hair pigmentation.
What multifactorial aspects contribute to the etiology of vitiligo?
The etiology involves a complex interplay of genetic, autoimmune, and environmental factors.
How does an autoimmune response contribute to vitiligo?
The body’s immune system mistakenly targets and destroys melanocytes, often influenced by genetic predispositions.
What role do genetic factors play in vitiligo?
Certain genes related to immune function and melanocyte health are linked to an increased risk of developing vitiligo.
How does oxidative stress affect vitiligo?
Oxidative stress can damage melanocytes, triggering or exacerbating vitiligo. It can be caused by factors like UV radiation, exposure to certain chemicals and lifestyle factors.
What is the neurochemical mediators theory in vitiligo?
It suggests that chemicals released by nerve endings in the skin can be toxic to melanocytes, linking stress and nervous system functioning to vitiligo onset.
How can hormonal changes trigger or worsen vitiligo?
Hormonal influences on the immune system and melanocyte function during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger or worsen vitiligo.
What is the Koebner phenomenon in relation to vitiligo?
It’s where skin diseases occur at sites of skin trauma, like scratches or sunburns on the scalp, leading to the development or expansion of vitiligo patches.
What are the key steps in diagnosing vitiligo, particularly on the scalp?
Diagnosis involves clinical examination, patient history, Wood’s Lamp examination, skin biopsy, blood tests, and trichoscopy.
What is the role of Wood’s Lamp examination in diagnosing vitiligo?
Under UV light, depigmented patches of vitiligo typically fluoresce bright blue-white or pale yellow, aiding in identifying early-stage vitiligo.
How can trichoscopy be used in diagnosing scalp vitiligo?
Trichoscopy helps identify depigmented or white hair and assesses the health of scalp skin and hair follicles.
What are some conditions to consider when differentiating scalp vitiligo?
Conditions include Alopecia Areata, Tinea Capitis, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Scalp Psoriasis, Pityriasis Alba, Lichen Sclerosus, Post-inflammatory Hypopigmentation, and Chemical Leukoderma.
How is vitiligo differentiated from Alopecia Areata?
Unlike vitiligo, Alopecia Areata primarily affects hair follicles, leading to hair loss without skin depigmentation.
What distinguishes vitiligo from Tinea Capitis and Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Tinea Capitis includes scaling and broken hairs, while Seborrheic Dermatitis doesn’t cause depigmentation like vitiligo.
