Vitiligo Treatment and Causes

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Questions and Answers

What is the duration of exposing the lesion to the low-power laser?

15-30 minutes (correct)

30-60 minutes

1-5 minutes

1-2 hours

What is the recommended frequency of exercise therapy for improving the immune system?

3-5 times per week (correct)

2-3 times per week

Every day

5-7 times per week

What is the purpose of skin rolling and wound relaxation treatment after skin grafting?

To relieve pain and improve skin movement (correct)

To prevent infection

To reduce stress and anxiety

To promote skin pigmentation

Why is maintaining a comfortable body posture important for people with vitiligo?

It helps to reduce stress and anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended intensity of exercise therapy for vitiligo patients?

85% of maximum heart rate for the age Signup and view all the answers

What type of laser is used in the treatment of vitiligo?

Low-power laser Signup and view all the answers

Why is vitiligo more noticeable in people with darker skin color?

Because the contrast between the depigmented patches and the rest of the skin is more apparent Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of depigmentation therapy in vitiligo treatment?

To remove remaining pigment from normal skin Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of depigmentation therapy?

About a year Signup and view all the answers

What is thought to be the primary cause of vitiligo?

Autoimmune disease Signup and view all the answers

What are the common areas where vitiligo patches appear?

In sun-exposed areas like hands, feet, arms, face, and lips Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the hair in areas affected by vitiligo?

It may turn white or black, depending on the lesion Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of depigmentation on the skin?

It makes the skin more sensitive to light Signup and view all the answers

What is the chemical used in depigmentation therapy?

Monobenzylether of hydroquinone Signup and view all the answers

What is the pattern of depigmentation in which it develops on only one side of the body?

Segmental Pattern Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage chance of returning color on the face, trunk, and upper arms and upper legs with PUVA treatment?

50 to 70% Signup and view all the answers

What is the possible long-term side effect of PUVA treatment?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Why must UVA blocking eyeglasses be worn during PUVA treatment?

To prevent an increased risk of cataracts Signup and view all the answers

What is the age limit for using PUVA treatment in children?

12 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the frequency of Narrow Band UVB (NBUVB) treatment?

Two to three times a week Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of psoralen in PUVA treatment?

To make the skin more sensitive to light Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of PUVA treatment required to achieve significant results?

At least a year Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is more noticeable in people with darker skin color.

Depigmentation Therapy

Removes remaining pigment from normal skin to make the whole body an even white color.
Uses a chemical called monobenzylether of hydroquinone.
Takes about a year to complete.
Results in permanent pigment removal.

Causes of Vitiligo

Unknown, but several theories exist.
Strong evidence suggests that people with vitiligo inherit a group of three genes that make them susceptible to depigmentation.
Most widely accepted view is that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system reacts against the body's own organs or tissues.
Another theory is that melanocytes destroy themselves.

Vitiligo Symptoms

Characterized by the appearance of depigmented patches (milky white) on the skin.
Common in sun-exposed areas like hands, feet, arms, face, and lips.
Also affects armpits, groin, around the mouth, eyes, nostrils, navel, and genitals.
Rarely, patches show slight erythema, but mostly only depigmentation and sensitivity to light.
Hair may turn white in affected areas.

Patterns of Vitiligo

Focal Pattern: Depigmentation is limited to one or a few areas.
Segmental Pattern: Depigmentation develops on one side of the body.
Generalized Pattern: Depigmentation develops on different parts of the body.

Physical Therapy for Vitiligo

PUVA

A form of repigmentation therapy using psoralen medication.
Makes skin sensitive to light, then treats with UVA light.
Chance of returning color is 50-70% on face, trunk, and upper limbs, but poor response on hands and feet.
Requires at least a year of twice weekly treatments.
Side effects include sunburn-type reactions, freckling, and increased risk of skin cancer.
Not usually used in children under 12, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals with certain medical conditions.

Narrow Band UVB (NBUVB)

A form of photo-therapy requiring skin treatment two to three times a week for a few months.
Not widely available, but may be useful in treating children with vitiligo.

Laser Therapy

Uses low-power laser for 15-30 minutes.
Can be used on a small portion of vitiligo, often with topical medications.
Complications include redness and blistering.

Lifestyle Changes

Maintaining a comfortable body posture and mind is important, as vitiligo worsens with physical and mental stress.
Exercise therapy, such as swimming and aerobic exercise, can improve the immune system.
Manual therapy, including grafting, can be useful for a small group of vitiligo patients.

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Description

This quiz covers the treatment options for vitiligo, including depigmentation therapy, and explores the causes of the disease. It's ideal for medical students or individuals interested in skin health.