Psychosocial problems in patients with vitiligo in Nigeria

Abstract

Vitiligo is a benign idiopathic depigmenting skin disease that can cause profound social embarrassment and psychological turmoil to the affected persons. There is alteration of skin colour and this can be confused with other skin diseases including leprosy, a disease with significant stigmatization even from biblical times. Dermatosis generally because of several myths in the African culture may have a significant impact on a patient\'s quality of life including the relationship to others, self-image and self-esteem. The extent to which vitiligo affects the emotional and psychological wellbeing of people affected especially in blacks need to be documented and addressed. Sixty patients with vitiligo in various parts of the body were subjected to an open ended questionnaire to show their perception of the attitude of others to their skin condition and how it affects their relationships with relatives, casual acquaintances and co-workers. Ninety percent of patients were embarrassed about their own lesions. People stared at them, avoided them, made rude remarks, gave derogatory names to their skin conditions and this affected their social interactions and outings. However family and sexual relationships were well preserved. The support of family members and attending physician can help affected people cope with vitiligo. Cosmetic cover will reduce the embarrassment of the patient. Some of the patients may need counselling and psychiatric consults. Health education on skin diseases to the general
public will be useful in alleviating the stigmatization associated with skin diseases.

Keywords: Vitiligo, Psychosocial, Stigma

Sudanese Journal of Dermatology Vol. 5 (2) 2008: pp. 51-58