Vitiligo in Pediatric Patients with Dark Skin Types: Epidemiological, Clinical Characteristics, Therapeutic Management, and Progression in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Vitiligo in pediatric patients in Ouagadougou

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Vitiligo is an acquired, multifactorial leukoderma marked by progressive loss of melanocytes
from the epidermis, hair follicles, and mucous membranes. It affects individuals of all ages, including children,
and pediatric cases present particular sociodemographic, clinical, therapeutic, and developmental features.
Aims: This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and evolutionary
characteristics of pediatric vitiligo seen at the Dermatology and Venereology Department of Yalgado
Ouédraogo University Hospital in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Methods: We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study using retrospective data collected over ten
years.
Results: Sixty-eight pediatric vitiligo cases were recorded, representing a prevalence of 0.28%, with a
female predominance (male-to-female ratio 0.44:1). The mean age was 6.4 ± 4 years (range: 1–15 years). A
family history was noted in 6.45% of cases. Disease progression was slow in 72.58% and stable in 27.42%,
with an average duration of 12.2 months. Segmental vitiligo accounted for 21% of cases, while among nonsegmental
forms, vulvar involvement was most common (51%). 19.3% of patients had anaemia. Topical
corticosteroids were the most frequently used treatment, either alone (51.61%) or combined with vitamin C
(24.19%). Complete remission occurred in 6.45% of patients, partial remission in 56.45%, and no
improvement in 11.3%.
Conclusion: Pediatric vitiligo is rare in our hospital-based research area. In this setting, vulvoperineal
involvement is frequent and a significant source of parental concern. Local treatments offer limited efficacy.
Keywords: Vitiligo, Pediatric, Epidemiology, Clinical profile, Phototype 6