Effect of Vitiligo Area Scoring Index on the quality of life in patients with vitiligo

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to find out the relation between the vitiligo severity and quality of life of patients with vitiligo. Background Vitiligo is the chronic pigmentary disorder of the skin. It greatly affects psychological well-being, and patients experience poor body image and low self-esteem, which may lead to lower level of life quality. Patients and methods Overall, 203 patients with vitiligo were studied. Disease severity was assessed using Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI), and patients were asked to answer the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. DLQI scores and subscores were calculated, and disease characteristics were evaluated. Results Mean age of all patients was 26.21 years. The overall DLQI mean score was 5.80 ± 5.04. The DLQI mean score was 6.68 and 3.16 in women and men, respectively. In 18.2% of patients with vitiligo, no effect was seen on the DLQI, little effect was reported in 35% of patients, moderate effect was seen in 32.5% of patients, and extremely high effect was seen in 3% of them. VASI, duration of diseases, and site of lesion were significantly positively correlated with DLQI score. Conclusion VASI, duration of the disease, and site of the lesion were positively correlated with DLQI score. Concentrating on patient's life quality is essential in the management of patients with vitiligo. Moreover, significantly strong gathering-based consultations and treatments are additionally imperative arms for dealing with vitiligo.