Psychodermatology of vitiligo: Psychological impact and consequences
Robert E. Simons, Danna L. Zevy, Mohammad Jafferany
Abstract
Vitiligo is an autoimmune dermatologic disorder that causes chronic skin depigmentation, which affects an estimated 1% of the world's population. This disfiguring condition can have devastating psychological consequences on its sufferers. The field of psychodermatology examines psychiatric manifestations of dermatologic conditions. Although previous research in this area has been done on other skin disorders, no large-scale review exists on the dermatologic-psychiatric connection in vitiligo specifically. The current article will discuss the psychodermatology of vitiligo with an emphasis on depression, stress, and low self-esteem. The social and cultural considerations will also be explored. Finally, the implications of these psychiatric manifestations on treatment will be discussed, with the goal of implementing early psychiatric intervention for those with vitiligo.