Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Vitiligo natural history, complications and prognosis
Introduction
Overview
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
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
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
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.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]: Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Guillermo Rodriguez Nava, M.D. [2]