The progression of nonsegmental vitiligo: clinical analysis of 318 patients

Background Vitiligo is an acquired disorder with destruction of melanocytes and is characterized by cutaneous depigmentation with a progressive clinical course. We attempted to evaluate whether there was a relationship between the initial site and ultimate progression of nonsegmental vitiligo. Methods Three hundred and eighteen nonsegmental vitiligo patients were examined. Questionnaires regarding age, sex, duration of disease, family history, distribution of initial lesions, progression, and clinical type were recorded from personal interviews and case notes. Results Two hundred and eighty nine (90.9%) of the 318 patients showed progression of vitiligo at the time of examination. When the initial sites were the posterior trunk, hands, or feet, there was more progression of vitiligo to other body areas. The progression pattern was usually contiguous to the initial site. When the hands were the initial site, however, vitiligo most commonly progressed to the face. Conclusions There may be a possible relationship between the initial site and ultimate progression of nonsegmental vitiligo. The progression pattern is usually contiguous to the initial site.