Korean J Dermatol.
2023 Dec;61(10):595-601.
Analysis of the Clinical Features of Late Onset Vitiligo
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Dermatology, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea
Abstract
- Background
Although the older adult population in Korea is growing, few studies have investigated the profile of late-onset vitiligo (onset at 50 years of age or above) to date.
Objective
The present study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and course of patients with late-onset vitiligo in Korea.
Methods
The present single-center retrospective study included 132 patients with late-onset vitiligo from January 1, 2009 to November 30, 2022. We analyzed patient demographics and vitiligo characteristics. Further, we evaluated the progress of late-onset vitiligo using the Vitiligo Area Severity Index (VASI) score.
Results
The study included more females (n=83, 62.9%) than males (n=49, 37.1%), with an average age of onset 60.9±7.4 years. The average duration of the disease before presentation was 15.0±27.3 months. A family history of vitiligo was identified in eight patients (6.1%), and seven patients (5.3%) had associated autoimmune diseases. Acrofacial vitiligo was the most common type (n=56, 43.1%), and the head and neck area were the commonly affected site at disease onset (n=93, 70.5%). The Koebner phenomenon was observed in seven patients (5.3%), and chemical-induced vitiligo was suspected in three patients (2.3%). Treatment was administered to 131 patients (99.2%). The VASI score decreased in 93 patients (83.0%), with an average decline rate of 58.56%.
Conclusion
Late-onset vitiligo tends to be of the acrofacial vitiligo subtype in the Korean population. Patients demonstrated a strong desire to treat vitiligo, and treatment response was promising. Further larger-scale studies to elucidate the characteristics and progression of late-onset vitiligo may be needed.
