Classification of segmental vitiligo on the trunk.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Clinical Classification
• Medical Research

Background:

• Segmental vitiligo presents as unilateral, localized skin depigmentation.
• Existing classification systems for facial segmental vitiligo lack a trunk counterpart.
• Trunk lesions require a standardized classification for consistent diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a classification system for segmental vitiligo affecting the trunk.
• To analyze and categorize the distribution patterns of trunk segmental vitiligo lesions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study of 106 segmental vitiligo trunk lesions.
• Analysis of lesion distribution patterns to identify recurring subtypes.
• Classification of lesions based on observed similarities in distribution.

Main Results:

• Segmental vitiligo predominantly affects the ventral trunk (85.8%).
• Six distinct subtypes were identified, categorizing 67.9% of lesions.
• Subtype 3 (V-shaped, upper trunk), subtype 5 (band-like, lateral trunk), and subtype 6 (rectangular, lower abdomen) were most frequent.

Conclusions:

• A novel six-subtype classification for trunk segmental vitiligo is proposed.
• This classification system effectively categorizes the majority of trunk lesion patterns.
• The proposed classification may offer significant prognostic and diagnostic value for early lesions.