Dermatoscopic Patterns in Vitiligo

Abstract

Vitiligo is a chronic, acquired autoimmune pigmentary skin disease, most times it can be diagnosed clinically. Dermoscopy can confirm vitiligo in a non-invasive way. It is a   diagnostic technique that visualizes sub-macroscopic morphological structures which correspond with specific histological structures. It detects subtle changes in the pigment pattern, evaluates vitiligo’s activity, attempts of repigmentation, leucotrichia, and differentiates it from other hypo pigmentary disorders.  Most dermatoscopic clues used to assess vitiligo’s activity are found at the perifollicular level in the center and edge of the lesion. Perifollicular pigmentation is present in both active lesions and treated pigmented lesions with treatment. However, perifollicular depigmentation represents poor response, in treated lesions, and poor prognosis in untreated ones. The center of the lesion has reduced and/or absent pigment network, in active and stable lesions. If on dermoscopy the center of the lesion shows islands of pigment, erythema, or telagiectasias, repigmentation is suggested. At the periphery of the lesion, unstable vitiligo usually shows up as a diffuse border, trichrome pattern, micro-koebner/comet tail phenomenon, satellite lesions, or a tapioca sago pattern. In stable lesions it is more frequent to find clear borders and trichromes. Pigmented lesions commonly present sharp borders and marginal or perilesional hyperpigmentation.