Abstract
The prevalence of vitiligo was 0.38% in 47,033 people in a representative region in Denmark. Both sexes were equally affected. No significant difference was found in the distribution of 179 patients with vitiligo among 5 municipalities or between urban and rural districts. The age-specific prevalence increased from 0.09% under the age of 10 yr to 0.90% in the age group 60-69 yr. After the age of 70, the prevalence declined. This fall might reflect an increased incidence of vitiligo during the past few decades. The number of new cases of vitiligo increased steadily with advancing age, its onset being most often between the ages of 40-60 yr. The prevalence of vitiligo in Denmark probably also applies to NW Europe.