A descriptive study to characterize segmental vitiligo.
BACKGROUND
Segmental vitiligo is a small but unique subset of vitiligo requiring due importance due to its lack of response to medical treatment but excellent response to surgical treatment. Characterization of the pattern of segmental vitiligo will also help to understand the pathogenesis of the disease.


OBJECTIVE
To characterize clinically the features of segmental vitiligo, a cross-sectional clinical study at dermatology outpatient department at AIIMS was carried out.


METHODS
Consecutive 188 patients were evaluated to characterize the clinical features of segmental vitiligo by detailed history, clinical examination, and photography. Frequency of each clinical feature was calculated.


RESULTS
Certain features such as early onset, initial progression of disease followed by stability, blaschkoid pattern, irregular margins, leucotrichia within and beyond the vitiligo lesion, and islands of pigmented macules within the vitiligo lesion were found to be characteristic of the disease.


CONCLUSIONS
A combination of various features such as early onset of disease, blaschkoid pattern, irregular margins, leucotrichia, and islands of pigmented macules within the vitiligo lesion are helpful in diagnosis of the disease.
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Binod K
BK
Khaitan
Sushruta
S
Kathuria
M
M
Ramam
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D001830:Body Surface Area; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008875:Middle Aged; D010781:Photography; D010808:Physical Examination; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult