ABSTRACT
Segmental vitiligo (SV) is a distinct entity with distinctive clinical features. The classification of segmental vitiligo as a separate entity from vitiligo was first suggested by Koga in 1977, and then in 2011 an international consensus classified segmental vitiligo separately from all other forms of vitiligo. The worldwide prevalence of vitiligo is 0.5% to 1%, with segmental vitiligo accounting for 5%–16% of overall vitiligo cases. Clinically, totally amelanotic depigmented macules are distributed in a segmental manner and are typically associated with leukotrichia. SV typically has an early age of onset and has a rapidly progressive (over a period of 6–24 months) but limited course. Early involvement of melanocytes of hair follicles is seen in up to 50% of SV patients. If introduced at an early stage, medical therapy such as potent topical corticosteroids or topical immune modulators combined with light therapy, such as narrow-band UVB light or targeted excimer lamp or laser, can be useful. On the other hand, if these medical therapies fail, or if the disease is at a later stage, melanocyte autologous grafting can be considered with good long-term response and stable repigmentation.
