Quality of Life and Stigmatization Profile in a Cohort of Vitiligo Patients and Effect of the Use of Camouflage

BACKGROUND: Few studies have paid attention to the effects of treatment interventions on the psychosocial consequences of vitiligo. OBJECTIVES: To quantify and analyse the psychosocial benefit of the use of camouflage in vitiligo patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 78 vitiligo patients completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and an adapted stigmatization questionnaire, and 62 of them completed the DLQI after at least a 1-month use of camouflage. RESULTS: The initial mean overall DLQI score (n = 78) is 6.9 (SD 5.6). The mean global stigmatization score is 38%. Disease extent and disease severity are strong predictors of the DLQI (p < 0.0001). Vitiligo on the face/head/neck substantially affects the DLQI, independently of degree of involvement. The mean DLQI score before and after use of camouflage (n = 62) is 7.3 (SD 5.6) and 5.9 (SD 5.2; p = 0.006). Mainly the high-scoring items 'feelings of embarrassment and self consciousness' and 'choice of clothing' improve. Predictors of improvement are higher DLQI scores (p = 0.0005) and higher total severity scores (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Camouflage can be recommended, particularly in patients with higher DLQI scores or self-assessed disease severity. Patients with minor involvement of the face benefit from camouflage.