When it comes to addressing vitiligo treatment, an early diagnosis is fundamental in identifying which type of vitiligo the patient has before dealing with the different therapeutic options.
There are two common types of vitiligo. Type A, non-segmental, and type B, segmental. The first type is three times more common than type B vitiligo (the latter is more common among paediatric patients.
Non-segmental vitiligo
- Patches or spots not limited to a specific segment.
- Clearly symmetrical distribution.
- Appearance at any age. Early starting age in those with a family history of vitiligo (average 22 vs. 42 years of age).
- Evolution: Appearance of new patches throughout lifetime.
- Low risk of other auto-immunity disorders.
- Strong family history of premature greying.
Segmental vitiligo
- Defined patches.
- Type B generally starts during childhood.
- Evolution: static. The appearance of new patches tends to stop after a year..
- Poliosis (small localised area of white hair) is common in eyebrows and head hair.
