European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired disorder of the melanocytes characterized by depigmented macules and patches. The chronic, unpredictable course of the disease and the visible cosmetic disfigurement leading to social discrimination lead to a decline in the quality of life (QoL) of patients suffering from Vitiligo. Aims and objectives: This study aims to assess the impact of Vitiligo on the quality of life of patients using two questionnaires – Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Vitiligo Quality of Life (VitiQoL). Materials and methods: All patients above the age of fifteen years presenting with Vitiligo were included in the study after taking written informed consent. Patients with any other co-existing debilitating disease or disability, psychiatric problems, systemic or personal conditions which might have an impact on the Quality of life (QoL) as well as pregnant and lactating women were excluded from the study. Socio-demographic data and detailed history regarding the symptoms, duration of disease, and treatment history was recorded. A thorough general physical, systemic, and cutaneous examination was done. Patients were requested to answer the questions of the DLQI questionnaire and VitiQoL questionnaire after clearly explaining the meaning of the questions to them in their preferred language. The answers were noted by the same dermatologist in every case. The DLQI and VitiQoL score was then calculated. The scores were evaluated and compared at the end of the study. Results: A total of 78 patients were included in the study in the age group of 15-78 years and the mean age was 34.6 ± 4.4 years. There were 46 males and 32 females included in the study and the male-female ratio was 1.4:1. According to the DLQI scores, a moderate effect was seen in 27(34.6%) patients, followed by a very small effect in 24(30.7%) patients, very large effect in 18(23%) patients, no effect in 6(7.6%) patients and extremely large effect in 3(3.8%) patients. The mean DLQI score was 7.8 ± 5. There were 19(24.3%) new patients, and 59(75.6%) patients already under treatment for vitiligo. The commonest type was non-segmental (generalized vitiligo) seen in 38(48.7%) patients followed by acro-facial in 14(17.9%) patients. Segmental vitiligo was present in 8(10.2%). The duration of symptoms was greater than one year in 44(58.9%) patients and the mean duration was 1.8 years. Around 21(26.9%) patients had patches of overexposed parts of the body and a family history of vitiligo in first–degree relatives was positive in 3.8% of patients. The VitiQoL score in our study had a mean value of 37.8 with a standard deviation of 4.2. Higher mean values were seen in questions pertaining to frustration regarding the disease (3.8± 2.4), fear of progression (3.3±1.9), and worrying about what other people might think of them (3.1±2.7). Conclusion: Vitiligo is a disease that is still significantly associated with tremendous social stigma which greatly impacts the personal, professional, and social aspects of the patient’s life. Understanding the degree of impairment that Vitiligo can have on the quality of life (QoL) of patients will help us understand the magnitude of the problem and thereby take adequate steps like treatment with psychological support as well as counseling, along with community awareness programs to improve the QoL of patients.