Background:Though it is well-known that vitiligo is associated with other autoimmune disorders, few Indian studies have focused on the relation between vitiligo, autoimmune thyroid dysfunction and diabetes mellitus.Materials and Methods:This case-control study included 150 new cases of vitiligo and 100 age and sex-matched controls. A complete history and thorough dermatological examination was done. Serum samples from both patients and controls were collected and assayed for triiodothyronine, thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, anti-thyroid antibodies—anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin and fasting plasma glucose.Results:Thyroid hormonal profile revealed autoimmune thyroid dysfunction manifesting as hypothyroidism in 30 (20%) vitiligo patients and two controls (2%). Diabetes mellitus was present in 24 (16%) vitiligo patients and five controls. Seven (4.7%) patients had both hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus.Conclusion:There is a clear association between vitiligo, autoimmune hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus. It would be very useful to screen for thyroid dysfunction and diabetes mellitus in all patients with vitiligo.

Background:The knowledge of the prevalence of common dermatoses will be useful for optimum use of valuable resources of the country.Aim:The aim of the study is to determine the pattern and prevalence of psoriasis, vitiligo and atopic dermatitis (AD) in India.Materials and Methods:This was a hospital-based study conducted on a single day in one medical college each in four zones of India.Results:The point prevalence of dermatological cases was 9.25%. The point prevalence of psoriasis, vitiligo and AD were 8%, 9.98% and 6.75% respectively. Chronic plaque type psoriasis was the most common (50%) clinical pattern. The most common site of involvement of psoriasis was the palms. Stable type of vitiligo was common which accounted for 65.21%. Lower lip was involved in 75% of mucosal vitiligo. Lower limbs were the most common site of onset of vitiligo. AD was most prevalent in the first decade (40.7%). Personal history of atopy was present in (59.5%) patients. Dry skin was present in 92.5% of patients.Conclusions:Our data correlates with previous hospital-based prevalence studies of psoriasis, vitiligo and AD.