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Vitiligo affects quality of life greatest when located on hands

Vitiligo lesions caused the greatest concern to patients when present on their hands compared with other locations, according to study results published in JAMA Dermatology.

Researchers examined 184 patients enrolled in the Dallas Vitiligo Registry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center between April 2003 and August 2015. Each participant completed the VitiQoL, a vitiligo-specific quality of life instrument. The instrument domains include “stigma,” “participation” and “behavior.”

Self-reported race and ethnicity included white, non-Hispanic (n = 60), Hispanic (n = 50), black (n = 32) and Asian (n = 42). Mean patient age was 40.3 years.

Comparing exposed areas with vitiligo lesions, such as the hands, neck and face, with nonexposed areas, patients with lesions on their hands had worse quality of life in all three domains. Median stigma comparing exposed lesions on hands and nonexposed areas was 19 vs. 16 (P = .04), participation was 10 vs. 5.5 (P = .03) and behavior was 9 vs. 7 (P = .02). Total comparison showed a rating of 39 vs. 31 (P = .01).

“Our study suggests that the hands in particular are the most bothersome location,” the researchers wrote. “A possible explanation for this finding is the difficulty in camouflaging hand lesions compared with face and neck lesions. Fear of greeting others may be a factor as well, because personal interactions often start with a hand shake, which is important in making a good first impression.” – by Talitha Bennett

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.