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Vitiligo

Amanda M DiSabato, DO and Emily Ann Gorman, DO Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • An acquired depigmentation of the skin, which correlates with a loss of epidermal melanocytes. There are two major clinical variants, each with subtypes.

  • Nonsegmental vitiligo: Depigm...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Inquire about recent history of sunburns, pregnancy, skin trauma, or emotional stress.

  • Discuss family history of premature graying, vitiligo, and autoimmune disorders.

  • Complete a review...

TREATMENT

The variant of vitiligo may affect response. 
  • If untreated, progression is the natural course for those with mucosal involvement, family history, koebnerization, and nonsegmental variants.

  • Les...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Monitor for symptoms of related conditions.

  • With topical steroids, follow at regular intervals to avoid steroid atrophy, telangiectasia, and striae distensae.

DIET

N...

REFERENCES

1
Ezzedine  K, Eleftheriadou  V, Whitton  M, et al. Vitiligo. Lancet.  2015;386(9988):74–84. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]
2
...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Bergqvist C, Ezzedine K. Vitiligo: A Review. Dermatology. 2020;236(6):571-592. doi: 10.1159/000506103. PMID: 32155629.

  • Kussainova A, Kassim L, Akhmeto...

CODES

ICD10

  • L80 Vitiligo

  • H02.739 Vitiligo of unspecified eye, unspecified eyelid and periocular area

  • H02.735 Vitiligo of left lower eyelid and periocular area

  • H02.732 Vitiligo of right lower eyelid and pe...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Vitiligo can be a psychologically devastating skin disease.

  • Screen for associated diseases, particularly if onset occurs later in life.

  • Treatment should be individualized based on BSA, s...

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