title: Demonstration of residual perifollicular pigmentation in localized vitiligo--a reverse and novel application of digital epiluminescence dermoscopy.
abstract: Digital epiluminescence dermoscopy (microscopy) is usually employed to examine melanomas and other pigmented lesions. We report its reverse application in assisting the early diagnosis of a depigmentation condition-localized vitiligo. A pattern of depigmentation with residual reservoirs of perifollicular pigments is clearly visualized. This pattern is not seen in other disorders of depigmentation. Such pattern signifies focally active or repigmenting vitiligo and thus, clearly serves as a useful guide for the cases wherein there exists a doubt about the possible diagnosis. Further studies are warranted to affirm the specificity and applicability of our observations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China. achuh@iohk.com
authors.forename: Antonio A T
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Chuh
authors.forename: Vijay
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Zawar
mesh_terms: D003880:Dermatology / Q000379:methods*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology