A STUDY ON THE ASSOCIATION OF VITILIGO WITH OTHER CO-MORBIDITIES

*Mhalevilie and Devi Th. Bijayanti

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder resulting from progressive loss of melanocytes, affects approximately 0.5-2 % population worldwide. Widespread prejudice, ignorance, taboos, lack of scientific appraisal, and confusion of vitiligo with leprosy makes it a social embarrassment. Aim: To know the demographic profile of vitiligo patient with associated co-morbidities. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in the department of Dermatology, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, Manipur, for a period of 18 months, with effect from November 2014 to April 2016. A total of 120 cases of vitiligo, both sexes from 5-80 years of age group were included after taking informed consent. Detailed history regarding socio-demographic profile and clinical history was taken. Results: Out of 120 patients 50.80% were females and 49.20 % were males. Most cases developed vitiligo by 2nd decade of life. Progressive course was found in 66.7 % of patients. Vitiligo vulgaris (45%) was most common morphological type. Face was the most common site of onset (27.5%). Family history was present in 20%. Conclusions: Vitiligo constitutes important dermatological disease especially in India. The data suggest that local epidemiological behaviour of vitiligo need not be the same across different regions. Vitiligo differs substantially in various clinical aspects.

Keywords: Vitiligo, clinico-epidemiology, clinical types, co-morbidities.