Clinical characteristics of progressive vitiligo

Background Vitiligo is an acquired hypopigmentary disorder with a progressive clinical course. Various clinical characteristics and their significance in the progression of vitiligo were evaluated. Methods A clinical study was carried out on 400 patients who had visited the Vitiligo Special Clinic of Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine. Questionnaires were completed regarding progression, sex, family history, clinical type, onset age, duration of disease, Koebner's phenomenon, leukotrichia, and mucosal involvement, and the results were recorded. Results Progression of vitiligo was seen in 355 patients (88.8%); 45 patients (11.2%) did not show progression, No difference in sex, onset age, or leukotrichia was noted between the two groups; however, patients with positive family histories, nonsegmental clinical type, longer duration, Koebner's phenomenon, and mucous membrane involvement showed more progression of vitiligo. Conclusions Clinical characteristics such as family history, clinical type, duration of disease, Koebner's phenomenon, and mucous membrane involvement, may be relevant in predicting the progression or prognosis of vitiligo.