International Severity Criteria Developed for Vitiligo

THURSDAY, April 2, 2026 (HealthDay News) -- In a consensus statement published online March 25 in JAMA Dermatology, internationally agreed-upon severity criteria are presented for vitiligo.Viktoria Eleftheriadou, M.D., Ph.D., from the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust in the United Kingdom, and colleagues conducted a global, mixed-methods consensus study to develop internationally agreed-upon definitions and criteria for vitiligo severity and relapse. Overall, 85 people participated in the first Delphi survey round, 81 participated in round 2, and 44 participants were included in the final consensus meeting.The authors note that measurement of body surface area remains a necessary and adequate starting point for assessing vitiligo severity, although the measure alone is inadequate for capturing the burden of disease. They list 12 criteria recommended for upgrading severity, including clinical aspects of vitiligo and its psychosocial effects. Spread or active disease, involvement of highly visible or high-impact areas, psychological distress, stigmatization, lack of self-acceptance, and overall burden represent the major criteria for vitiligo. Darker skin tones, younger age, scalp/facial hair involvement, an increased risk for sunburn, impact on career or school, and perceived loss of personal or cultural identity were minor criteria for vitiligo. Consensus regarding the extent of pigment loss was not reached. Loss of pigmentation in previously repigmented lesions was defined as relapse, with repigmentation having occurred spontaneously or with treatment."We hope that our work will influence health care systems and minimize disparities and inequitable access to health care globally," the authors write.Several authors disclosed ties to the biopharmaceutical industry.Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)Editorial (subscription or payment may be required).Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter

International Severity Criteria Developed for Vitiligo

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