A Report on Applying Digital Epiluminescence Dermoscopy to Guide Topical Treatment for Generalised Vitiligo

Abstract

We have reported on utilising digital epiluminescence dermoscopy to detect the sparing of perifollicular pigments in localised vitiligo. These spotty zones might be the most acute autoimmune battle line. We saw a 68-year-old gentleman with five-year history of segmental/generalised vitiligo. He declined systemic treatments. These spotty zones mentioned above were identified by epiluminescence dermoscopy. We advised him to apply a very potent topical corticosteroid two times per week to these zones. Much improvement was seen in two months. Complete remission was achieved in another two months. We discussed on the roles of epiluminescence dermoscopy on the diagnosis and treatments of patients with all types of vitiligo where the perifollicular pigment sparing zones were too small to be identifiable by naked eyes.

Roles of Epiluminescence Dermoscopy beyond the Diagnoses of Cutaneous Malignancies and Other Skin Diseases

“…We discovered and reported for the first time the visualisation of such pattern at the dermoscopic magnification level [23]. We then further reported that identification of such zones by ED could enhance the localisation of regions with high autoimmune activity, and hastened efficacy of drug treatments [24].…”