Vitiligo

Question 1

In what age group does vitiligo usually develop?

Answer 1

20-30 years

Question 2

What % of the population does it affect?

Answer 2

1%

Question 3

What are the features of Vitiligo?

Answer 3

• Well demarcated patches of depigmented skin
• The peripheries tend to be most affected
• Trauma may precipitate new lesions (Koebner phenomenon)

Question 4

What conditions are associated with Vitiligo?

Answer 4

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Addison’s disease
• Autoimmune thyroid disorders
• Pernicious anaemia
• Alopecia areata

Question 5

What is the management for Vitiligo?

Answer 5

• Sun block for affected areas of skin
• Camouflage make-up
• Topical corticosteroids may reverse the changes if applied early
• There may also be a role for topical tacrolimus and phototherapy, although caution needs to be exercised with light-skinned patients