ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a relatively common acquired depigmentating disorder that affects at least 1 % of the population. The mode of transmission has not been clearly,stablished, but either polygenic or autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance and variable expresion has been proposed. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the causative factor, variable clinical features and current teratment of generalized vitiligo patients. METHOD: This clinical in vestigation was made with 225 outpatiens of generalized type vitiligo who had visited the Department of Dermatology, Keirnyung Universitv Hospital from January 1987 till December 1991. Results & CONCLUSION: 1. There were 125 female, (55.5%) and 100 males(44.4%). 2. The mean age of onset was 21.4 years(male . 24.3, female: 19.1). 3. The mean age at the first visit was 27.5 years (male : 28.8, female : 26.5). 4. The mean duration of the disease was 10.7 years(male : 9.9, female : 10.9). 5. The mean interval between onset and visiting was 6.1 years (male : 4.5, female : 7.4). 6. The most common sites of involvernent at the first visit was tie face 11.7% (male : 11.4%, female : 11.8%). 7. The most common precipitating factor was trauma(8.8%). 8. The most common previous treatment was sunlight irradiaion after application of topical oxoralene(33.2%). 9. The most common degree of depigmented lesion was 5-10%(64.4%). 10. The most common occupations of the patients were students mals, and housewife females.