A Clinical Study of 265 Patients with Vitiligo in the Gwangju Chonnam Province

Ki, Ho Gyun; Yun, Sook Jung; Lee, Jee Bum; Kim, Seong Jin; Won, Young Ho; Lee, Seung Chul

Abstract

BACKGOUND: Vitiligo is a depigmentary disorder characterized by discrete, pale white macules. Its prevalence is approximately 1-2% of the general population. The pathogenesis of vitiligo is unknown, but genetic, biochemical and immunological hypothesis are proposed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of vitiligo and to compare the results with previous studies. METHOD: We evaluated the clinical features of 265 Korean vitiligo patients who lived in the Gwangju Chonnam Province (118 males and 147 females). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The mean age of the first visit and onset was 31.6+/-22 years (male: 29.0, female: 33.8) and 27.8+/-21 years (male: 24.8, female: 30.3) respectively. The most common interval between onset and visiting was within 6 months. The order of frequency in clinical types of vitiligo was vulgaris type (42.4%), focal type (31.4%), segmental type (14%) and acrofacial type (6.4%). The most common site of initial involvement was the face (37.4%) and the most common site of involvement was the face (27.6%). Precipitating factors, such as genetic tendency (7.6%), and trauma (3.8%), were found in 17.8% of patients. The prevalence of poliosis was 6.7% of vitiligo patients, and the eyebrow (50%) was the most common site of poliosis. Family history was found in 10.6% of patients, and associated diseases were found in 25.4% of patients. In conclusion, although this study is not helpful in evaluating the treatment response and the prognosis of vitiligo, this study is useful in providing some basic epidemiological data on vitiligo patients.