A 20-year-old man with vitiligo shows segmental distribution following a dermatomal pattern on his trunk, which appeared abruptly and stabilized within 2 years. Koebner's phenomenon is absent. Which type of vitiligo is this?

• A Segmental vitiligo ✓
• B Generalized vitiligo (non-segmental)
• C Acrofacial vitiligo
• D Universal vitiligo

Explanation

Segmental vitiligo is a distinct clinical subtype characterized by unilateral distribution along a Blaschko-line or dermatomal pattern, rapid onset followed by stabilization within 1-2 years, and lack of Koebner's phenomenon. Unlike non-segmental vitiligo, it has a lower association with autoimmune disorders and is thought to involve somatic mosaicism and abnormal neural mechanisms (catecholamine toxicity hypothesis). Segmental vitiligo responds better to melanocyte transplantation procedures than non-segmental type.

Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.

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