Pigmentary Disorders Flashcards
What is Vitiligo
An acquired depigmenting disorder where there is complete loss of melanocytes
Cause of vitiligo
Autoimmune disorder, where the innate immune system causes destruction or loss of melanocytes
Presentation of vitiligo
Any age, single patch or multiple patches of depigmentation, often symmetrical.
Which sites are commonly affected in vitiligo
Face, hands, feet, body folds and genitalia
What is the Koebner phenomenon
When vitiligo favours sites of injury
Management of vitiligo
Minimise skin injury, topical treatments such as steroids and calcineurin inhibitors. Phototherapy UBV
What is melasma
Acquired chronic skin disorder causing increased pigmentation in the skin
Cause of melasma
Genetic predisposition, triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes such as pregnancy and contraceptive pills
Presentation of malasma
Brown macules or larger patches with an irregular border and symmetrical distribution.
Common sites of melasma
Forehead, cutaneous upper lips and cheeks, rarely occur on neck, shoulders and arms
Management of melasma
Lifelong sun protection, topical treatments which inhibit the formation of new melanin such as hydroquinalone, azelaic acid, kojic acid and vit C. Laser treatmentscan be used
