VITILIGO

Vitiligo is a relatively common, sometimes familial disorder in which
depigmentation of the skin occurs. It may start at any age but often starts
in young adults. Lesions start as small white macules and become
progressively larger and confluent, leading to bizarre shapes. Common
localisations are the hands and feet and the skin around body openings,
e.g. around the eyes, nose, mouth and lips, the umbilicus, and around the
genitals and the anus. Vitiligo also occurs in traumatised skin and can
affect hair bulbs, leading to streaks of white hair. The condition is usually
slowly progressive and seldom regresses spontaneously. Vitiligo of the
genital area should be distinguished from lichen sclerosis, in which
depigmentation and atrophy are usually limited to this area.
Management of vitiligo
- There is no satisfactory treatment. Reassure the patient; there is only colour
change, vitiligo is not a sign of abuse.
- Sometimes the combination of topical steroids and sun exposure results in
repigmentation.