Systemic and cutaneous associations of vitiligo

Abstract

Introduction: Vitiligo is a common, acquired, pigmentary disorder of the skin, mucous membrane, and hair, resulting from the destruction of functional melanocytes. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the cutaneous and systemic manifestations of vitiligo. Materials and Methods: The study comprised 130 patients attending the outpatient department (OPD) of dermatology, MGM Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad, India. Clinical details were noted in the pro formas, and cutaneous examination was done in relation to the size and type of lesions of vitiligo and other lesions if present. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and ophthalmological examinations were also performed to rule out audiometric and ocular changes. Further, lab investigations were conducted. Results: Of 130 patients, the female-to-male ratio was found to be 1.06:1. The most common age-group for the disease onset was 21–30 years. Vitiligo vulgaris and focal vitiligo were found to be the most common types, followed by generalized, acrofacial, segmental, poliosis in 3.8% patients, alopecia in 4.6% cases, hypoacusis was observed in 3.1%, halo nevi in 0.8%, thyroid disease in 7.7%, diabetes mellitus in 3.1%, and psoriasis in 0.8% of cases. Conclusion: Vitiligo vulgaris and focal vitiligo were the most common types found with associated cutaneous and systemic abnormalities such as thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus, and alopecia areata.

Keywords

• abnormalities
• acrofacial vitiligo
• focal vitiligo
• vitiligo vulgaris