vitiligo: compilation of clinico-epidemiological features in patients attending tertiary care government hospital, thane

BackgroundVitiligo, an acquired discoloration of the skin and/or mucous membranes, is a dermatological disorder with profound cosmetic as well as psychosocial implications for the patient. This study aimed to determine the clinico-epidemiological characteristics concerned with vitiligo in patients attending the dermatology department of a tertiary care government hospital in Thane.Method A single-observer, descriptive study conducted over a period of two-months recorded the clinico-epidemiological profile of 60 conveniently sampled vitiligo cases through history, clinical examination and study of previous medical records. The resulting data was presented in descriptive form.ResultsMales constituted 41.67 %( n=25) and females 58.33 %( n=35) of the sample. Mean sample age was 34.35 years, with 73.33 %( n=44) married and 26.67 %( n=16) unmarried patients. Positive family history was noted in 15 %( n=9) patients. Hypertension was the leading concomitant disease affecting 6.67 %( n=4) individuals. The proportion of new cases and those on treatment accounted for 28.33 %( n=17) and 71.67 %( n=43) respectively. 28.33 %( n=17) patients had lesions on exposed areas, 5 %( n=3) on unexposed areas and the rest 66.67 %( n=40) on both areas. Feet were the most commonly affected site. The proportion of patients with bilateral and unilateral involvement was 81.67 %( n=49) and 13.33 %( n=8) respectively. Vitiligo vulgaris was the predominant form with a proportion of 68.33 %( n=41). Leukotrichia and Koebner’s phenomenon were seen in 13.33 %( n=8) and 3.33 %( n=2) patients respectively.ConclusionThe data suggest that local epidemiological behaviour of vitiligo need not be the same across different regions. Variations did exist with regards to certain clinico-epidemiological parameters in Thane viz., prevalence of concomitant diseases, extent of involvement, etc. Such studies conducted on a regional basis may help to adopt a holistic approach towards management of vitiligo patients.