Vitiligo history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Vitiligo is an asymptomatic disease that commonly presents during the second decade of life, with a gradual depigmentation over time.^[1][2]

History[edit | edit source]

In the patient presenting for the first time with patches of skin depigmentation, a thorough history and physical examination should be performed, including examination under the Wood's lamp in order to rule out other potentially life-threatening disorders. The initial onset of the condition may be abrupt, however, afterwards it usually progresses slowly, with expansion of skin depigmentation with no concomitant symptoms.^[3][4][5][6] It is important to inquire about history of occupational exposures, since those may aggravate underlying vitiligo lesions or may lead to depigmentation areas, with no connection to the disease.^[7] There may be two major subdivisions of vitiligo which may influence the presence of different characteristics and the natural history of the disease. They may be present individually or concomitantly, in which case the segmental lesions will respond poorly to the treatment.^[3][8]

Generalized or Nonsegmental[edit | edit source]

• Common later onset.
• Continuous progression with periods of exacerbation.
• Hair is usually affected later in life.
• Frequently occurs in areas of the body susceptible to trauma or keen to pressure.
• Individual or family history of other autoimmune diseases.
• Bad response to autologous grafting, commonly recurring on the same location.
• The most common form of the disease, present in about 85-90% of the cases.

Segmental[edit | edit source]

• Commonly has an earlier onset in childhood.
• Has an abrupt onset, stabilizing afterwards.
• Rapidly moves to involve hair regions.
• Commonly involves the face.
• Generally no other autoimmune diseases are present.
• Commonly responds well to autologous grafts.
• May be confused with nevus depigmentosus.

During the history taking, the patient should be asked about:^[9]

• Existence of family members with vitiligo.
• Personal or family history of earlier hair graying.
• Personal or family history of autoimmune disease.
• Previous episodes of changes in skin pigmentation.
• Previous therapy and its outcome on the course of the disease.
• History of trauma in the area of the skin lesion.
• Impact of the disease in patient's daily life.

Considering that halo nevi are more common in vitiligo patients than in the population in general, it is important to discuss personal or family history of such. This is an important step since existence of multiple halo nevi, is a common indicator of autoimmunity against the nevi, which increases the risk of vitiligo in the presence of history of disease in the family. It is also important to note the skin type of the patient.^[10][11] Since vitiligo is often associated with other autoimmune diseases, it is important to evaluate the presence of such during the consult:

• Addison's disease^[12][13]
• Pernicious anaemia
• Hyperthyroidism and/or hypothyroidism^[14]
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Diabetes mellitus^[15]
• Alopecia areata
• Myasthenia gravis
• Malignant melanoma^[16]

Common Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Unlike other diseases, vitiligo does not cause any physical symptoms. However, the depigmentation of the skin might have a psychological impact on the individual, leading to social isolation and eventually depression.^[11]

References[edit | edit source]

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