Derm: Vitiligo: Free MSRA Podcast

🎧 FREE MSRA PODCAST – Vitiligo: Essentials, Diagnosis & ManagementEverything you need to know about vitiligo for the MSRA. Rapid, structured, and packed with memory tips and exam pearls!🧠 Key Learning PointsDefinition• Vitiligo = Chronic autoimmune skin condition with well-demarcated, depigmented patches caused by melanocyte destruction• Main types: Non-segmental (NSV) – symmetrical, most common; Segmental (SV) – unilateral, rapid onset, follows dermatomesAetiology & Risk Factors• Autoimmune destruction of melanocytes• Genetic predisposition (family history, certain genes)• Associated with other autoimmune diseases (thyroid, type 1 diabetes, Addison’s, pernicious anaemia, alopecia areata)• Triggers: Emotional stress, skin trauma (Koebner phenomenon), sunburn, childbirth, chemical exposures (phenols)Clinical Features• Well-defined, non-scaly, depigmented white patches• Common sites: Face, hands, feet, genitals• Hair may be affected: White eyebrows/lashes (poliosis)• Typically asymptomatic, but sometimes initial itching• Koebner phenomenon: New patches form at sites of skin injury• More visible on darker skin tonesDifferential Diagnosis• Tinea versicolor, piebaldism, post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, albinism, pityriasis alba, morphea, leprosy, lichen sclerosus, tuberous sclerosisDiagnosis & Investigations• Clinical diagnosis (history, exam)• Wood’s lamp accentuates depigmentation, helps rule out fungal causes• Blood tests: Screen for other autoimmune diseases (TFTs, B12, glucose)• Assess psychosocial impact as part of holistic careManagement• Sun protection – high-factor sunscreen, protective clothing• Camouflage creams for cosmetic coverage• Topical corticosteroids (potent for body, lower potency for face), calcineurin inhibitors for face/folds• Phototherapy (Narrowband UVB) for extensive or refractory disease• Surgical options: Skin grafts/transplantation (stable disease >1 year)• Depigmentation therapy (monobenzone cream) for widespread cases• Psychological support & referral to patient groups (e.g. Vitiligo Society)• Referral to dermatology: Rapid spread, face involvement, segmental type, diagnostic uncertainty, failed primary care, psychological distressComplications & Prognosis• Not life-threatening, but can cause profound psychological distress• High risk of sunburn and skin cancer in depigmented areas• Unpredictable course: Some repigment spontaneously, others progress• Regular screening for associated autoimmune conditions essentialMemory Aids:“Vitiligo: Visible white patches, invisible impact. Sun protection is key!”“NSV = symmetrical; SV = single side, sudden, segmental.”“Autoimmune links: Always check thyroid, diabetes, B12.”“Koebner phenomenon = trauma triggers new patches.”📎 More Vitiligo Revision Resources:📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/vitiligo-revision-notes/💬 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/vitiligo-flashcards/🧠 Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/vitiligo-accordion-qa-notes/📝 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/vitiligo-rapid-quiz/📚 Dermatology Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/dermatology-for-the-msra/🏷️ #MSRA #Vitiligo #MSRARevision #Dermatology #Autoimmune #PassTheMSRA #FreeMSRA #Skin #SunProtection #Psychosocial #KoebnerPhenomenon #Flashcards #Quiz #UKGuidelines #SkinCancer