Psychosomatic aspects of vitiligo

Vitiligo is a chronic common skin disease. The asymptomatic hypopigmented cutaneous lesions are considered by many health care professionals as a cosmetic problem only; however, vitiligo can have a major psychosocial impact on patients ’ lives. We review some of the factors responsible for this impact, such as the general public’s wrong perception of the disease, feelings and emotional responses from patients, how stressful events can act as triggers of the disease, stigmatization experiences suffered by the patients, the prev alence of psychiatric morbidity, the effects on relationships and sex life, how quality of life in adults and children is impaired, and how treatment can improve it.
Source: Clinics in Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Authors: Source Type: research