Vitiligo presentation in adults

The characteristics of vitiligo in 41 adults presenting to a university dermatology clinic in Sheffield, UK were studied in a case review. Of 41 patients, 29 women and 12 men, there were 37 European Caucasians, three Asian Caucasians and one black African. Symmetrical and acrofacial types of vitiligo predominated but there were no segmental cases. Age of onset was before 20 years in 17, with a mean of 28 years; the oldest onset was 74 years. The average duration of the disease was 16 years. Autoimmune thyroid disease was present in 14 cases (34%). Only seven (18%) gave a family history of vitiligo. A precipitating factor was identified in nine (22%), including pregnancy, sunburn and skin trauma. Topical steroid treatment was given in 33 and narrow-band ultraviolet B was prescribed in nine. This series is unusual in having no cases of segmental vitiligo, perhaps because no children are included, and in having a high prevalence of thyroid disease.