Is It True That My Quality of Life Will Be Affected by Vitiligo?

Is it true that my quality of life will be affected  by vitiligo? 

Key points 

• Vitiligo may impair one’s quality of life mainly because it is poorly understood in many communities. 

• It is often confused with leprosy or sexual infections, and even seen as a sign of a sin or a sort of punishment  sent by God. 

• Women are generally more psychologically affected by the skin disorder than men. 

• For doctors, it is important to assess the patient’s quality of life during encounters, and take initiatives. 

• The dermatologist must always inform the vitiligo patients of the possibility of successful treatments: this will  change the patient’s mood immediately. 

• Observation of re-pigmentation over the white patches always brings optimism to the vitiligo patient. 

• Psychotherapy can be of help in selected cases, but only after careful consideration. 

• Regional Vitiligo Support Groups and VRF are committed to eradicate all discriminating attitudes against  vitiligo subjects all over the world. 

Answer 

It is true that vitiligo can be a psychologically  devastating disease, especially in darker skinned  individuals and in case of improper management  by the dermatologist. 

The assessment of quality of life should always  be made during the first consultation, because  there may be a difference between patient’s and  physician assessment of severity, and it should be  followed during treatment to assess patient’s  satisfaction. Studies suggest that vitiligo imparts  mental and emotional burden comparable to that  of chronic hand eczema or psoriasis, and that  women tend to suffer more than men. Vitiligo  patients also experience sexual difficulties and a  variety of psychological problems, such as  adjustment disorder, sleep disturbance,  depression, anxiety, and so called “dysthymia”. 

Clinical variables, such as duration, facial or  chest involvement, unsuccessful previous  treatment, darker skin type, and extent of disease  may predict a poorer quality of life. 

In fact, vitiligo may be, or may become, a  psychologically devastating disorder. The fact that  it typically occurs in exposed areas (face and  hands) has a major impact on self- esteem and  perception of the self. In many societies, vitiligo is  poorly understood and is believed to be a sign of  leprosy or sexually transmitted infection. In these  societies, women with vitiligo have difficulty  getting married and finding educational and  vocational opportunities according to their skills.  Many patients worry about the disease worsening,  have their social life affected, and feel  embarrassment, depression, and shame. 

Correct information on vitiligo (extended to  non-affected subjects, media system and to the  Authorities) will rapidly change this outrageously  and incredible discriminated attitude against the  alteration of the color of the skin. The vitiligo  support groups and the VRF are committed to fight  against all irrational feelings and behaviors which  negatively impact the quality of life of vitiligo  patients all over the world.