Clinico-Epidemiological Study of Vitiligo in a Tertiary Care Centre of West Bengal, India

Abstract

Background: About 0.5-2% of the world population is affected by Vitiligo. Vitiligo affects all races of the world; the highest incidence has been recorded in India and Mexico.

Objective: The objective of the current study to explore the clinico-epidemiological profile of Vitiligo in patients attending dermatology OPD of a tertiary care centre in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Methods: A descriptive, observational study was carried out over six months from May 2012 to November 2012. Total of 70 patients of Vitiligo were interviewed and clinically examined.

Results: Majority of patients were in the age group of 21-30 years. The average age of participants was 33.1 years. Female: male ratio of the participants was 2.04:1. A positive family history of Vitiligo was found in 18.56% of patients. A majority had the age of onset of Vitiligo in 2^nd decade (26, 37.1%). The average duration of disease was 7.3 years. Vitiligo Vulgaris is the most common type found in 40% (28) of patients. Hypothyroidism (9, 12.8%) was the most common comorbidity, followed by diabetes mellitus, which was present in 10% of patients.

Conclusion: Vitiligo Vulgaris is the most common clinical type among Vitiligo patients. Majority of cases had onset in the second decade of life. Positive family history was present in 18.56% of patients. We also observed a high occurrence of comorbidities like thyroid disorder, diabetes mellitus, alopecia areata, chronic urticaria and psoriasis, with Vitiligo.