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(My name is Vincent Lo. Sophomore at UTD. Arts and Technology.)

The Two Basic Categories of Vitiligo

There are several types of vitiligo. Some of these types include focal, mucosal, acrofacial, vulgaris, universal, and mixed vitiligo. (1) That is a lot of different names! I won’t describe these in detail, but all these types can be organized into two basic categories: non-segmental vitiligo and segmental vitiligo. (2)

Non-segmental

Non-segmental vitiligo, or NSV, is more common than segmental. Two characteristics define NSV:

·       Generalized

·       Symmetrical

NSV is generalized, which means the patches of depigmentation appear anywhere on the body. Also, if these patches appear on one side of the body, it’s in the same place on the other side. For example, a person with NSV might have patches on both hands, both elbows, or both feet. (3) NSV also can appear at any age. (2)

Segmental

Segmental vitiligo, or SV, which isn’t as common as non-segmental, has two main characteristics:

·       Localized

·       Asymmetrical

SV is localized, which means the patches are limited to a particular area. And because SV is localized, it may only appear on one side of the body. SV appears more commonly in teenage years. (2)

NSV and SV can co-exist. This type of vitiligo is called mixed vitiligo. (3)

(1)  Different types of vitiligo. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vitiligosupport.org/vitiligo/types.cfm

(2)  Vitiligo. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved April 21, 2011, from

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitiligo

(3)  Pelletier, N. (n.d.). What is segmental & non-segmental vitiligo?. Retrieved from http://vitiligocover.com/what-is-segmental-non-segmental-vitiligo/