Quality of life and stigmatization profile in a cohort of vitiligo patients and effect of the use of camouflage.
BACKGROUND
Few studies have paid attention to the effects of treatment interventions on the psychosocial consequences of vitiligo.


OBJECTIVE
To quantify and analyse the psychosocial benefit of the use of camouflage in vitiligo patients.


METHODS
78 vitiligo patients completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and an adapted stigmatization questionnaire, and 62 of them completed the DLQI after at least a 1-month use of camouflage.


RESULTS
The initial mean overall DLQI score (n = 78) is 6.9 (SD 5.6). The mean global stigmatization score is 38%. Disease extent and disease severity are strong predictors of the DLQI (p < 0.0001). Vitiligo on the face/head/neck substantially affects the DLQI, independently of degree of involvement. The mean DLQI score before and after use of camouflage (n = 62) is 7.3 (SD 5.6) and 5.9 (SD 5.2; p = 0.006). Mainly the high-scoring items 'feelings of embarrassment and self consciousness' and 'choice of clothing' improve. Predictors of improvement are higher DLQI scores (p = 0.0005) and higher total severity scores (p = 0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
Camouflage can be recommended, particularly in patients with higher DLQI scores or self-assessed disease severity. Patients with minor involvement of the face benefit from camouflage.
Ongenae
K
K
Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. katia.ongenae@ugent.be
Dierckxsens
L
L
Brochez
L
L
van Geel
N
N
Naeyaert
J M
JM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001530:Belgium; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011481:Protective Clothing; D011584:Psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D013240:Stereotyping; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy