Real-World Experience of Vitiligo Patients: A Retrospective Chart Review

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is a common depigmenting skin disorder with an estimated prevalence of 0.5% to 2% worldwide. Objective: We conducted a study to characterize the presentation of vitiligo in community dermatology clinic setting in Ontario, Canada. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed through an electronic chart review at a community dermatology clinic with 2 sites in Ontario, Canada. Results: We found a male to female ratio of 1:1.3. The average age at the time of assessment was 40.8 years (ranging from 7 to 75 years). Sixteen percent of the patients were children (less than 18 years of age). Hands were the most common location for vitiligo (55.8%). Conclusions: Our findings are in keeping with previously described epidemiologic data. To our knowledge, this is the first Canadian study looking at the population in a community setting.