Vitiligo and quality of life: a case-control study.

Backgound. Vitiligo is a common and visible form of leukoderma that can adversely affect the quality of life of patients. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of vitiligo on the quality of life of patients. Patients and methods. This was a cross-sectional case-control study performed between 1 September 2000 and 31 December 2001. Sixty patients with vitiligo and 60 controls paired for age and gender were collated. Quality of life was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Results. Mean patient age was 38.9 years. The sex-ratio M/F was 1.1. Vitiligo was generalized in 80% of cases. Quality of life was significantly impaired in patients and to a greater extent in women and in cases affecting more than 10% of the body surface. All aspects of quality of life were affected. Conclusion. Because of its visible nature, vitiligo can impair patients' quality of life and have marked psychological impact.