PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Alissa, Ahmed
AU  - Al Eisa, Abdulla
AU  - Huma, Rozeena
AU  - Mulekar, Sajeev
TI  - Vitiligo-epidemiological study of 4134 patients at the National Center for Vitiligo and Psoriasis in Central Saudi Arabia.
DP  - 2011 Dec 01
TA  - Saudi Medical Journal
PG  - 1291--1296
VI  - 32
IP  - 12
4099  - http://smj.org.sa/content/32/12/1291.short
4100  - http://smj.org.sa/content/32/12/1291.full
SO  - Saudi Med J2011 Dec 01; 32
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical patterns, epidemiological profile of vitiligo, and its awareness among Saudi nationals.METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted among Saudi nationals with a confirmed diagnosis of vitiligo presenting to the National Center for Vitiligo and Psoriasis, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from August 2002 to August 2006 using a retrospective questionnaire based on the history and medical records of patients.RESULTS: Of the 4134 cases, 53.5% were females. The mean age of onset of vitiligo was 17.4 years. Vitiligo vulgaris was the most common type in 42.3% of cases, 90.5% had no associated autoimmune conditions. The family history was positive in 42.8%. Twenty-nine percent developed depigmentation on multiple sites, and 68.2% over exposed areas. Nearly 1912 (46.2%) were not aware of its cause, and 2682 (64.9%) were unaware of aggravating factors. Stress as an aggravating factor was considered by 15.1%. Herbal treatments were considered very effective by 45.8%.CONCLUSIONS: Vitiligo is affecting Saudi women more than men with an early age of onset. Vitiligo vulgaris being the most prevalent form with a high rate of positive family history and low rate of associated autoimmune diseases. Knowledge of genetic and environmental factors affecting vitiligo is poorly conveyed and explored.