INTRODUCTION
Vitiligo is an acquired chronic autoimmune cutaneous pigmentary disease of the skin, affecting nearly 1-2% of the population worldwide.1 The disease causes destruction of melanocytes and is characterized by depigmented macules and patches commonly involving exposed areas including the face and hands. Though often thought of as an asymptomatic disease, vitiligo can include physical symptoms such as burning and itching. Additionally, 15–25% of people with vitiligo also have at least one other autoimmune disorder such as thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, pernicious anemia, Addison disease, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Vitiligo has psychosocial burdens: it can negatively impact self-esteem, body image, social interactions, quality of interpersonal relationships, and sexual function.2 Patients with vitiligo are at an increased risk of developing psychological disorders including anxiety and depression.3 In addition, many face social discrimination and stigmatization. A number of studies highlight the significant effect that vitiligo has on a person’s quality of life (QoL) (4–10).
Addressing the psychosocial impact of vitiligo is an important part of disease management.11 Support groups are widely believed to be beneficial and have been shown to have multiple positive benefits including stress reduction, fostering a sense of community, decreasing patient isolation, and improving QoL.8
Limited research has been conducted on the association of vitiligo support group membership on patient quality of life (QoL). We sought to explore the association between support groups and QoL in patients with vitiligo by evaluating and comparing QoL in vitiligo support group members and non-support group members.
Vitiligo has psychosocial burdens: it can negatively impact self-esteem, body image, social interactions, quality of interpersonal relationships, and sexual function.2 Patients with vitiligo are at an increased risk of developing psychological disorders including anxiety and depression.3 In addition, many face social discrimination and stigmatization. A number of studies highlight the significant effect that vitiligo has on a person’s quality of life (QoL) (4–10).
Addressing the psychosocial impact of vitiligo is an important part of disease management.11 Support groups are widely believed to be beneficial and have been shown to have multiple positive benefits including stress reduction, fostering a sense of community, decreasing patient isolation, and improving QoL.8
Limited research has been conducted on the association of vitiligo support group membership on patient quality of life (QoL). We sought to explore the association between support groups and QoL in patients with vitiligo by evaluating and comparing QoL in vitiligo support group members and non-support group members.
