Study of Dermatological Quality of Life in Patients With Vitiligo Attending the Out Patient Department of Dermatology in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Vitiligo is an autoimmune, chronic pigmentary disorder causing considerable amount of social stigma leading to low self-esteem. AIM: To assess the quality of life in patients with vitiligo who are attending the outpatient department in Sri Ramachandra Hospital. The study was done over a period of 2 years. Parameters that were studied included gender distribution, occupation, type of Vitiligo. METHODS: 200 vitiligo patients answered a ten point questionnaire designed by Cardiff to assess the quality of life. RESULTS: Out of the 200 patients, 66 were male & 134 female, 158 were married and 42 unmarried, vitiligo vulgaris being the commonest type. Mean DLQI was higher in housewife (Occupation)-13.5, vitiligo vulgaris (Type of vitiligo)-16.34, diabetes mellitus (Association with vitiligo)-27. CONCLUSION:The results demonstrate that vitiligo has a very large to extremely large effect on the quality of life.