Vitiligo prevalence and quality of life among adults in Europe, Japan and the USA

Abstract

Background Vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder characterised by skin depigmentation, is associated with reduced quality of life (QoL). Vitiligo may be under‐reported, in part because of misconceptions that it is a cosmetic disease. Objectives This survey sought to characterise vitiligo prevalence and explore the relationship between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with QoL in a population‐based, multinational study. Methods Participants aged ≥18 years were recruited via an online panel in Europe, Japan and the USA to answer questions regarding skin disorders they may have experienced. Those reporting vitiligo (diagnosed or undiagnosed) or vitiligo signs (experiencing loss of skin colour but unaware of vitiligo and not diagnosed) were included in the analyses of vitiligo prevalence. Participants who self‐reported physician‐diagnosed vitiligo were given a broader survey to characterise disease progression, management and QoL (as measured with the Vitiligo‐specific QoL [VitiQoL] instrument). Results The total estimated vitiligo prevalence among 35 694 survey participants (Europe, n = 18 785; USA, n = 8517; Japan, n = 8392) was 1.3% (diagnosed, 0.6%; undiagnosed, 0.4%; vitiligo signs, 0.3%). Among 219 patients formally diagnosed with vitiligo (Europe, n = 150; USA, n = 48; Japan, n = 21), total VitiQoL scores were associated with age (P = 0.00017), disease extent (P < 0.0001), disease progression (P < 0.0001), disease management (P < 0.0001) and time since diagnosis (P = 0.0015). Behaviour scores varied based on skin phototype (P = 0.024) and ethnicity (P = 0.048). Higher total VitiQoL scores were reported in patients with head lesions (P = 0.027) and those with head and hand and/or wrist lesions (P = 0.018). Substantial high concern (rated 8–10 on an 11‐point Likert scale) for lesions was found across all body areas and varied with geographical region. Conclusions The vitiligo prevalence rate may be higher than previously reported, with a substantial proportion attributed to people who have not received a formal diagnosis. Among formally diagnosed patients with vitiligo, QoL was most severely impacted by more progressive and higher extent of disease.

Incidence and Prevalence of Diagnosed Vitiligo According to Race and Ethnicity, Age, and Sex in the US

“…Vitiligo prevalence estimates in the US range from 0.05% to 1.4% depending on the study population and sampling methods. 3,[8][9][10][11][12] In 2 cross-sectional studies, prevalence based on self-report was 1.4%. 3,8 In 1 of these studies, prevalence was reduced to 0.76% after adjudication of photographs from a subsample by clinicians experienced in vitiligo.…”

“…3,[8][9][10][11][12] In 2 cross-sectional studies, prevalence based on self-report was 1.4%. 3,8 In 1 of these studies, prevalence was reduced to 0.76% after adjudication of photographs from a subsample by clinicians experienced in vitiligo. 8 However, only a small proportion (20.1%) of patients submitted photographs, and vitiligo could not be verified in approximately 45% of these photographs.…”

“…itiligo is an immune-mediated disease characterized by selective loss of melanocytes, resulting in depigmented patches commonly affecting visible areas of the body, including the face and hands. 1,2 Vitiligo has profound consequences for quality of life and psychosocial well-being 3,4 and is associated with comorbid conditions that may influence overall health. 5,6 Information on incidence and prevalence, particularly among demographic subgroups, is limited.…”

Global clinicoepidemiological pattern of childhood vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“… 3 Recent studies in the USA showed that 1.9 million cases had been diagnosed with vitiligo, and its prevalence is 0.76%. 4 However, its prevalence varies from 0.5% to 2% in other countries. 5 The exact prevalence of vitiligo in children is unknown, but at least 25% of cases begin before the age of 10.…”

“…Childhood vitiligo is different from adult vitiligo in many aspects,2 where negative experiences from childhood vitiligo may influence adult life 3. Recent studies in the USA showed that 1.9 million cases had been diagnosed with vitiligo, and its prevalence is 0.76% 4. However, its prevalence varies from 0.5% to 2% in other countries 5.…”