BACKGROUND Onset of vitiligo during childhood is not uncommon but the data is limited on this subject. OBJECTIVE This study was planned to assess the magnitude of childhood onset vitiligo (COV) and adulthood onset vitiligo (AOV), and compare their clinical pattern. METHODS A cross sectional hospital based clinical study. METHODS Consecutive patients with vitiligo attending the Dermatology OPD of RNT Medical College and MB Government Hospital, Udaipur, from April 2012 to September 2012 were the subjects of this study. A detailed history taking followed by general, systemic and cutaneous examination, and relevant investigations were carried out. The findings were recorded in a proforma for analysis and interpretation of data. METHODS Statistical analysis of data was done using chi- square and Z test. RESULTS Of the 295 patients seen during the study period, 109 (36.95%) were patients with COV while 186 (63.05%) had AOV; the COV: AOV ratio being 1: 1.71. Amongst COV patients, females (65/109; 59.63%) outnumbered males (44/109; 40.37%). Maximum (51; 46.79%) patients of COV had onset of their disease on head and neck, out of which eyelid was the initial site of lesion in 29 (26.61%) patients. None of COV patients had universal and isolated mucosal vitiligo. CONCLUSIONS Female predominance, affection of eyelids as initial site, and less frequent mucosal involvement in COV were the clinical features different from AOV.