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.