Common, Uncommon, and Rare Presentations of Vitiligo

The presentation discusses vitiligo, focusing on its common, uncommon, and rare presentations. It outlines the epidemiology, distinguishing between segmental and non-segmental vitiligo, the importance of clinical signs for disease activity, and recent findings on global prevalence. The speaker emphasizes difficulties in diagnosis due to the variability of vitiligo's progression, such as focal lesions transitioning to segmental or generalized types. Rare forms of vitiligo, including inflammatory types and those linked to chronic UV exposure, are highlighted. The presentation also details the clinical course differences: segmental vitiligo typically presents in childhood with rapid onset and stabilization, whereas non-segmental vitiligo has a more unpredictable chronic course with potential flare-ups and associations with autoimmune diseases. Important clinical signs, including comfetalite lesions and the trichrome phenomenon, signal disease activity and the potential for quick intervention to prevent further depigmentation. The speaker encourages thorough examination using wood lamps and dermatological assessments to evaluate lesion activity and prognosis for repigmentation, emphasizing the significance of hair follicles as a melanocyte reservoir. Overall, the talk stresses the need for early intervention in active vitiligo cases and careful monitoring of lesions to guide treatment decisions.