What is it?
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which melanocytes are destroyed resulting in skin depigmentation.
The exact aetiology is unknown but is thought to have a genetic and autoimmune association.
Differential diagnoses to consider include post-inflammatory hypo-pigmentation, chemically-induced depigmentation and lichen sclerosus.
Clinical presentation
Sharply demarcated, irregularly shaped white/depigmented macules of varying size.
Most commonly around the oral, genital and perianal areas.
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Perianal vitiligo
Management
Response to therapy is highly variable so treatment must be individualised. Several options are available:
- phototherapy
- laser therapy
- steroid therapy
- topical tacrolimus
- vitamin D analogues
- depigmentation therapy