Table of Contents
Vitiligo is a chronic patchy depigmenting skin condition due to T-cell-mediated melanocyte destruction.
Suggested approach to vitiligo osce station
Describing lesions
- Areas of depigmentation
- ‘There are multiple well-demarcated patches of depigmentation in a generalised distribution.’
- ‘They range in size from 1-4cm and have irregular borders.’
- ‘These lesions are flat and there are no secondary features.’
- ‘These lesions are consistent with vitiligo.’
Differential diagnosis
- Tinea versicolor
- Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation
- Pityriasis alba
- Scarring
- Tuberculoid leprosy
Management
- General:Â avoid sun and use strong sun cream (sun-exposed areas will not tan but will burn), avoid skin trauma
- Screen for other autoimmune diseases
- Thyroid disease
- Pernicious anaemia
- Diabetes
- Addison’s disease
- Cosmetic camouflage creams
- Topical corticosteroids (e.g. clobetasol, mometasone)
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g. tacrolimus)
- Phototherapy
Try a question or two to test yourself
Which other conditions may vitiligo be associated with?
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What may trigger vitiligo lesions?
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What is a halo naevus?
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