Segmental vitiligo (SV) most often begins at an early age and affects only one area, on one side of the body, such as one side of the mouth, or neck. It generally spreads fairly quickly at the onset, then slows and remains stable after a year or so, with more than half also developing patches of white hair. SV is rarely associated with autoimmune disease.
Non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) is an autoimmune disease and typically begins on areas such as the hands, wrists, around the eyes or mouth, or on the feet, then spreads to areas such as the neck, chest, knees and legs. NSV is considered to be progressive, but has cycles of spreading and cycles of stability. NSV includes all types of vitiligo except segmental vitiligo.
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generalized: widespread and largely symmetrical distribution
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acrofacial or acral: depigmented areas away from the center of the body such as face, head, hands and feet
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focal: one or more areas of pigment loss in a confined area
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mucosal: mucous membranes are affected
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universalis: complete or nearly complete depigmentation
Mixed vitiligo (MV) begins as segmental vitiligo, then later progresses into non-segmental vitiligo, becoming “mixed vitiligo.”