Prevalence of vitiligo. Epidemiological survey on the Isle of Bornholm, Denmark

Abstract

The prevalence of vitiligo was 0.38% in 47,033 people in a representative region in Denmark. Both sexes were equally affected. No significant difference was found in the distribution of 179 patients with vitiligo among five municipalities or between urban and rural districts. The age-specific prevalence increased from 0.09% under the age of 10 years to 0.90% in the age group 60 to 69 years. After the age of 70, the prevalence declined. This fall might reflect an increased incidence of vitiligo during the past few decades. The number of new cases of vitiligo increased steadily with advancing age, its onset being most often between the ages of 40 and 60 years. It is assumed that the prevalence of vitiligo in Denmark applies also to the northwestern part of Europe.