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Extent, location of vitiligo associated with itchy skin, sexual dysfunction
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Increased body surface area of vitiligo was associated with escalated quality-of-life impairments, including pruritus and sexual dysfunction, according to study results.
Researchers studied 1,541 adults with vitiligo (mean age, 43.1 years; 71.38% women) who answered an online questionnaire to determine novel risk and prognostic factors for the disorder. Affected body surface area (BSA), distribution and duration of vitiligo and associated symptoms were the main outcome measures, along with quality of life (QOL), which was determined by Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
Vitiligo negatively affected all aspects of DLQI and resulted in an overall mean score of 5.9. Affected BSA of more than 25% was associated with DLQI scores (ordinal logistic regression; adjusted OR=2.17; 95% CI, 1.71-2.75), as was the number of body parts affected by vitiligo (P≤.009). Laterality (P=.06) and disease duration (P≥.54) were not associated with DLQI scores.
Itching and/or burning skin was reported by 510 patients (35.1%) within the week before being surveyed and was associated with a BSA of more than 25% (aOR=1.59; 95% CI, 1.26-2.01). Self-consciousness about lesions, impaired ability to go shopping, take care of home or garden, clothing decision influence, and effects on socializing or leisure activities and sports participation were associated with an affected BSA greater than 25% (all P<.001).
BSA of more than 25%, including the chest, also significantly predicted sexual dysfunction (18% of patients; aOR=1.94; 95% CI, 1.44-2.61) as did vitiligo lesions in the genital area (aOR=1.82; 95% CI, 1.30-2.53).
“The present study found that vitiligo had a negative effect on numerous QOL factors,” the researchers concluded. “These associations indicate that screening for QOL impairment in vitiligo patients should be included in the routine assessment and incorporated into therapeutic decision making.”