Study Explores the Psychological Effect of Living With Vitiligo and its Impact on Patient Quality of Life

Research established that the current standards of care for treating vitiligo often generate unsatisfactory results and high rates of nonadherence.¹ Additionally, health experts indicate that traditional therapies such as phototherapy, topical corticosteroids, and topical calcineurin inhibitors have limited efficacy, and some treatments are associated with significant adverse effects related to long-term use, and overall effects are commonly suboptimal and do not address the underlying pathophysiologies associated with vitiligo.1 In addition, various publications have revealed that patients with vitiligo often reported reduced quality of life, self-esteem, and overall well-being.^1,2

In a recent publication in Cureus,² researchers explored the psychological facets associated with vitiligo and the impact of this condition on a patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The authors wrote, “While the skin is the main area affected by vitiligo, its effects reach beyond the apparent. Numerous psychosocial difficulties are frequently encountered by those who have vitiligo.”² The authors noted that patients with vitiligo may experience low self-esteem due to social stigma, anxiety, and even depression, which may affect their overall HRQoL.

The primary objective of this study was to gain more insight into the importance of identifying and addressing the overall well-being of patients with vitiligo. The authors discovered that the psychological impacts are directly proportional to the severity of the vitiligo and the areas affected. Additionally, many patients do not seek psychological help, and efforts are needed to expand patient education about vitiligo since patient knowledge about the disease may diminish psychological aspects such as anxiety and encourage patients to take an active role in the treatment of vitiligo. Based on their findings, the authors concluded, “A comprehensive approach involving education, awareness campaigns, and psychological support is essential. Collaborative efforts can create a more inclusive and empathetic environment, addressing the emotional and psychosocial challenges of vitiligo and enhancing well-being.”²

The findings from this study reiterate the impact of vitiligo on the overall well-being and quality of life beyond the dermatological features of vitiligo and highlight the need for therapies that target the underlying pathophysiology associated with vitiligo. The available data from the recently approved agent ruxolitinib cream 1.5% as the only topical formulation of a selective Janus kinase (JAK1/JAK2) inhibitor approved in the United States, marking the first and only FDA-approved treatment for repigmentation in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older for the treatment of nonsegmental vitiligo appears to be promising and hopefully will improve clinical outcomes in patients with the most common type of vitiligo.³ In October 2023, data from the phase 3 TruE-V trial revealed that patients who continued therapy with this novel topical therapy attained improved repigmentation for up to 2 years.⁴

Conclusion

Clinicians should consider both the physical and psychological aspects of living with vitiligo and implement measures to identify and efficaciously address them, which can improve patient adherence, clinical outcomes, patient well-being, and quality of life.

References

1. Feng Y, Lu Y. Advances in vitiligo: Update on therapeutic targets. Front Immunol. 2022;13:986918. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.986918
2. Salama AH, Alnemr L, Khan AR, Alfakeer H, Aleem Z, Ali-Alkhateeb M. Unveiling the unseen struggles: A comprehensive review of vitiligo's psychological, social, and quality of life impacts. Cureus. 2023;15(9):e45030. doi: 10.7759/cureus.45030
3. Incyte announces U.S. FDA approval of Opzelura™ (ruxolitinib) cream for the treatment of vitiligo. News release. Incyte. Published July 18, 2022. Accessed December 15, 2023. https://investor.incyte.com/news-releases/news-release-details/incyte-announces-us-fda-approval-opzeluratm-ruxolitinib-cream-0
4. New long-term data from incyte phase 3 TRuE-V program demonstrates efficacy of continued treatment with Opzelura^® (ruxolitinib) cream in nonsegmental vitiligo patients. News release. Incyte. October 11, 2023. Accessed December 15, 2023. https://investor.incyte.com/news-releases/news-release-details/new-long-term-data-incyte-phase-3-true-v-program-demonstrates