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Psychosocial Aspects
A person with Vitiligo must cope with more than a skin disease. The change in appearance caused by Vitiligo can affect a person's emotional and psychological well-being. Vitiligo is frequently experienced as a stigma. Stigma in this case is defined as “characterized or branded as disgraceful or ignominious”. Stigmatization is a huge social problem. There are values in society that lead to stigmatisation of people who look different.
Social categorisation and assumptions about appearance contribute to the above mentioned situation in regard to Vitiligo. This include the perception of any image altering condition as a stigma. Stigmatization may play a significant role in the way Vitiligo is perceived. It is important the degree to which a person with Vitiligo has internalized these stereotypes (ex. importance of appearance). They can be related to fear of negative evaluation, anxiety, and depression. As a result, everyday activities may be affected.
Among the most important aspects that determine the psychological impact of Vitiligo are:
Level of self-esteem
Fear of negative evaluation
Importance of appearance
Underlying depression
Importance of appearance
This aspect is particularly relevant in young adults, those with severe Vitiligo, and those for whom appearance is very important due to a variety of factors including job, profession, level of self-esteem, etc. Dark skin individual are under particular emotional stress from Vitiligo, due to enhanced visibility of Vitiligo on dark skin.
In regard to gender, the notion that males will be less concerned about impaired appearance than will females is not true, even if society places special emphasis on female appearance. Studies about this particular aspect have proved that this is simply not the case. Men are as concerned about their appearance as women. However, men are less likely to express the emotions regarding physical appearance.
A physician's advice or counselling in this matter should be sought when necessary. It is important to be able to take positive action in order to help minimize social embarrassment.
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