Self-esteem in people with acquired vitiligo. A survey-based study

Abstract

Vitiligo is a skin disease characterized by loss of skin pigmentation, visible in the form of bright white patches distributed on the surface of the body. It can be congenital (hereditary) or acquired. The aim of this study was to assess the self-esteem of people with acquired vitiligo. The study was based on an anonymous questionnaire completed by 195 participants. The majority of the respondents indicated that the placement of the skin abnormalities was a cosmetic concern, and that vitiligo affected their self-acceptance and contributed to their diminished emotional state. In their opinion, stress of daily life can influence the appearance of new vitiligo lesions or increase of already existing skin discoloration. Although vitiligo brings many challenges for the majority of respondents, they maintain that it has a minimal impact on their overall quality of life.