| dc.description.abstract | Vitiligo is a common dermatological disorder characterized by white patches of the skin.The main
reason for this disease is the loss of functioning melanin and melanocytes. The objective of the study
was to investigate the clinicoepidemiological characteristics of vitiligo in Sri Lanka.Demographic
information, occupational risk factors, family history, vitiligo lesion related factors, other chronic
disorders, treatment regimes, animal bites, contact with poisons, cosmetic usage, and food patterns
were collected using a pre-validated interviewer administered questionnaire from 80 patients
attending thevitiligoclinic, Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Nawinna, Sri Lanka, from 1
st of June to 31st
July 2015. The majority of patients(23%) were 41 to 50 years of age.The disease was more common
in women (57%) than in men (43%),fromsuburban areas (57%).Thirty percent (30%)had worked in
chemical related fields or had frequent contact with chemicals at least two years before the onset of
vitiligo. Twenty three percent (23%) had a family history of the disease. The disease duration ranged
from 0 – 55 years and 60% had developed vitiligo during the last five years. The face was the initial
place of appearance of lesions (41%). Non-spreading lesions reported by 37%. Incidences of fast and
slow progressing lesions were 31% and 32%, respectively. An itch, white rash wascommon. Seventy
eight percent (78%) had coloured lesions. About 15% had a history of animal bites. Thirty percent
(30%) of patients had chronic diseases. The triggering factors of vitiligo were uncertain. | en_US |
