Clinicoepidemiological Characteristics of Vitiligo: A Descriptive Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

Vitiligo is a common dermatological disorder characterized by white patches of the skin.The main reason for this disease is the loss of functioning melanin and melanocytes. The objective of the study was to investigate the clinicoepidemiological characteristics of vitiligo in Sri Lanka.Demographic information, occupational risk factors, family history, vitiligo lesion related factors, other chronic disorders, treatment regimes, animal bites, contact with poisons, cosmetic usage, and food patterns were collected using a pre-validated interviewer administered questionnaire from 80 patients attending thevitiligoclinic, Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Nawinna, Sri Lanka, from 1 st of June to 31st July 2015. The majority of patients(23%) were 41 to 50 years of age.The disease was more common in women (57%) than in men (43%),fromsuburban areas (57%).Thirty percent (30%)had worked in chemical related fields or had frequent contact with chemicals at least two years before the onset of vitiligo. Twenty three percent (23%) had a family history of the disease. The disease duration ranged from 0 – 55 years and 60% had developed vitiligo during the last five years. The face was the initial place of appearance of lesions (41%). Non-spreading lesions reported by 37%. Incidences of fast and slow progressing lesions were 31% and 32%, respectively. An itch, white rash wascommon. Seventy eight percent (78%) had coloured lesions. About 15% had a history of animal bites. Thirty percent (30%) of patients had chronic diseases. The triggering factors of vitiligo were uncertain.