L80
Autoimmune disease characterised by patches of the skin losing their pigment. Often the patches begin in areas of skin that are exposed to the sun.
New patches appear over time and can occur over large portions of the body or located to a particular area.
Presents as pale patchy areas of depigmented skin which tend to occur on the extremities. They are most prominent on the face, hands and wrists. The loss of pigmentation is particularly noticeable around body orifices such as the mouth, eyes, nostrils genitalia and umbilicus.
GENERAL MEASURES
Avoid sun exposure when the sun is at its strongest particularly between 10:00 and 15:00. As moderate sun exposure is beneficial, sunscreen is not needed at other times.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
- Titanium dioxide, topical ointment/cream (UV block),
- Only use when sun is at it is strongest i.e. between 10:00 and 15:00.
- Apply evenly to all sun exposed areas at least 15 minutes before going out into the sun during this time.
REFERRAL
All patients.