Well-being in German patients with vitiligo in genital and visible areas - a pilot study

Only a few studies exist on the psychosocial impact of vitiligo in German patients, in particular those affected in genital and visible body areas.

This monocentric pilot study aimed to assess well-being of adult patients with vitiligo and to compare sex, age, and clinical characteristics between patients with and without genital, facial and hand involvement. Well-being was assessed using the WHO-5 questionnaire and quality of life with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Furthermore, psychometric properties of the WHO-5 well-being index were tested.

In total, 110 patients (mean age ± SD: 47.5 ± 14.7 years; 54.5% female; 95.5% with non-segmental vitiligo) were included. The WHO-5 mean score was 13.3, with 46 patients (42.2%) having a score < 13, indicating reduced well-being. Sixteen patients (14.7%) had a WHO-5 score < 7, indicating a high probability of depression. No significant differences in WHO-5 or DLQI scores were found between patients with vs without genital, facial, and hand involvement. Psychometric properties were confirmed to be good.

Our findings emphasize the psychosocial impact of vitiligo in German patients, as reflected by reduced well-being, and suggest the usefulness of the WHO-5 as a simple psychosocial screening tool for routine care.