Vitiligo

Please click on the link below to access the most up-to-date version of this guideline. The content on this page is currently being updated to align with the latest publication. Always check the version number at the bottom of the screen to confirm which version you are using.

Click here to access the Primary-Healthcare-Chapter-5-Skin-Conditions-with-Supporting-NEMLC-Report-2020-4-Review-Version-2.0-November-2025

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General Measures

Medicine Treatment

Referral

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ICD 10 code: L80

• Autoimmune disease characterised by patches of the skin losing their pigment
• 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
• The patches often 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 can be restricted to a particular area

GENERAL MEASURES

• Encourage sun exposure, moderate sun exposure is beneficial

MEDICINE TREATMENT

• High potency (SPF) sunblock, topical (UV block)
  • Apply evenly to all sun exposed areas at least 15 minutes before going out into the sun

LoE: IVb³⁶

REFERRAL

• All patients

Click here to access the pdf.

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Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-2024_Version 1.0_07 November 2024

Chapter 5: Skin Conditions_ 5.18 Hypopigmentory disorders_5.18.2 Vitiligo