The effect of vitiligo on sexual relationships.
To study the effect of vitiligo on interference with sexual relationships, we surveyed 158 patients by questionnaire. Although a majority of patients reported a negative impact on sexual relationships, most patients felt embarrassment when showing their body or meeting strangers. The majority of patients who reported a negative impact on sexual relationships attributed the problems to their embarrassment. Those who were particularly affected were those with low self-esteem, men, those to whom appearance is important, and single persons. Dermatologists should be especially alert to the effects of disfigurement and should attempt to assist patients with this problem.
Porter
J R
JR
Department of Sociology, Bryn Mawr College, PA 19010.
Beuf
A H
AH
Lerner
A B
AB
Nordlund
J J
JJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000523:psychology*