Study of the epidemiologic characteristics of childhood vitiligo in Egyptian children

Abstract

Background Vitiligo during childhood is common. Pediatric vitiligo has a profound effect on the quality of life of both children and their parents. Aims and objectives To investigate the epidemiologic characteristics of vitiligo among Egyptian children. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted and included children of both sexes from birth to less than 18 years of age. The study included schools and maternity and childhood care centers in Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt, during the period from March 2019 to February 2020. Complete demographic and clinical information of children with vitiligo were recorded. Dermatological examination of patients with vitiligo was done. Vitiligo area and severity index of patients was calculated. Results Of 2594 screened children, 18 (0.7%) had vitiligo. The median age of children with vitiligo was 12 (2–17) years. The age interval from 13 to less than 18 years accounted for 44.4% of vitiligo cases. Females cases of vitiligo were more prevalent (61.1%). Overall, 72.2% of patients with vitiligo were resident of rural areas. Of the 18 cases with childhood vitiligo, 83.3% of cases had a history of consanguineous marriage and 66.5% had vitiligo vulgaris. A proportion of cases related the exacerbation of the disease to exposure to psychological stress. Conclusions Childhood vitiligo was detected in 0.7% of pediatric population in Upper Egypt. The majority of cases with childhood vitiligo had a history a consanguineous marriage between the parents. Psychic trauma was identified as a potential exacerbating factor of childhood vitiligo.