The clinical patterns of vitiligo “hospital-based study” in Makkah region, Saudi Arabia

Background

Little is known about the clinical patterns of vitiligo and its associations in Arab countries, particularly Saudi Arabia.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 135 medical records of patient with vitiligo seen at the Hera Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia between January 2010 and June 2013.

Results

Of the 135 patients (mean age, 24.5 years), 91 (67.4%) were females. Twenty-six patients (25%) had a positive family history, 12.6% with associated thyroid disorders, 9.6% diabetes mellitus, 8.9% atopic dermatitis, 3.7% leukotrichia, and 2.2% alopecia areata. Sixty percent of patients had localized vitiligo, 37% generalized, 9.6% acrofacial, and 1.5% universal. The commonest site for the first vitiligo lesion was the face (28% of patients), whereas the commonest site at the time of diagnosis was the lower limb (51% of cases). The commonest topical treatment for localized vitiligo was tacrolimus (34.8%), whereas narrow band ultraviolet B (14%) had most commonly been prescribed for those with generalized vitiligo.

Conclusions

The patients were predominantly females, with a large proportion having a positive family history. The mean age of onset of vitiligo in our study was 24.5 years. It was commonly associated with thyroid disorders. Localized vitiligo was the most prevalent type.