Quality of Life in Male and Female Vitiligo Patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a common, acquired discoloration of the skin, characterized by well-circumscribed ivory or chalky white macules which are flush to the skin surface 1. It affects atleast 0.5-1% of the total population 2. It is commonly distributed in the peri-orificial areas, trunk, extensor surface of extremities, flexor wrists and axillae. It results from a cellular autoimmune phenomenon that causes destruction of melanocytes. AIMS: To compare the quality of life between vitiligo patients and healthy individuals and to compare the quality of life between males and females vitiligo patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative study of Twenty eight patients with vitiligo attending the Out Patient Department of Skin and STD department at KIMS Hospital, Bangalore was done between April and May 2013. RESULTS: A total of 13 male patients, 15 female patients and 15 male controls and 15 female controls, all within the age group of 16-50 years were taken and their DLQI scores were tabulated and analysed as follows: The mean and standard deviation of scores for all patients is 5.14±4.44, and that for controls is 0. This shows higher impairment in quality of life for patients as compared to controls and the results are statistically significant (Z value=2.08 and p value<0.05). CONCLUSION: 1. Quality of life was impaired in vitiligo patients. 2. Among the patients, females had poorer quality of life. 3. Quality of life was more impaired in younger patients. 4. Impairment of quality of life was higher in unmarried patients than among married patients.