Initial Laboratory Workup for Pediatric Vitiligo

Diagnostic Approach

A thyroid function test should be considered as the primary laboratory workup for pediatric vitiligo patients due to the high prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease in this population, according to the British Journal of Dermatology 1
Where vitiligo presents with classical symmetrical patterns, diagnosis is straightforward and can be made in primary care, but atypical presentations may require referral to a dermatologist, as recommended by the British Journal of Dermatology 2, 1
Assessment of skin type is useful in the initial examination, along with photographs to document the extent of disease, as suggested by the British Journal of Dermatology 2
Wood's light examination can be helpful in monitoring response to therapy, particularly in fair-skinned patients, according to the British Journal of Dermatology 2

Thyroid function tests, including anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, should be considered for all pediatric vitiligo patients, as recommended by the British Journal of Dermatology 1