Vitiligo natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]: Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Guillermo Rodriguez Nava, M.D. [2]

Overview

The natural history of vitiligo is variable. Depigmentation may be stable or progressive and can cause even a total body depigmentation or remit spontaneously, although spontaneous remission is uncommon.

Natural History

The natural history of vitiligo is variable.^[1]
Approximately half of the cases present before the age of 20 years.
The onset is acute and starts with a rapid loss of pigmentation in sun-exposed and friction areas, most commonly face and extremities.
A latent period can occur, but remission is uncommon.

Prognosis

It is difficult to predict the progression and outcome of vitiligo
Some markers of poor prognosis have been identified:^[2]
- Family history
- Mucosal involvement or mucosal vitiligo
- Koebner phenomenon
- Nonsegmental vitiligo

References

↑ Alikhan A, Felsten LM, Daly M, Petronic-Rosic V (2011). “Vitiligo: a comprehensive overview Part I. Introduction, epidemiology, quality of life, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, associations, histopathology, etiology, and work-up”. J Am Acad Dermatol. 65 (3): 473–91. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.11.061. PMID 21839315.
↑ Dave S, Thappa DM, Dsouza M (2002). “Clinical predictors of outcome in vitiligo”. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 68 (6): 323–5. PMID 17656989.

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[pmid21839315-1] Alikhan A, Felsten LM, Daly M, Petronic-Rosic V (2011). “Vitiligo: a comprehensive overview Part I. Introduction, epidemiology, quality of life, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, associations, histopathology, etiology, and work-up”. J Am Acad Dermatol. 65 (3): 473–91. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.11.061. PMID 21839315.

[pmid17656989-2] Dave S, Thappa DM, Dsouza M (2002). “Clinical predictors of outcome in vitiligo”. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 68 (6): 323–5. PMID 17656989.

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