# Well‐being in German patients with vitiligo in genital and visible areas – a pilot study

## TL;DR

This pilot study explores the well-being of German vitiligo patients, especially those with lesions in visible or genital areas, highlighting the psychosocial impact of the condition.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the psychosocial effects of vitiligo in Germany and validates the WHO-5 as a screening tool for well-being in these patients.

## Key findings

- 42.2% of patients had reduced well-being, as indicated by WHO-5 scores below 13.
- 14.7% of patients showed a high probability of depression with WHO-5 scores below 7.
- No significant differences in well-being or quality of life were found between patients with or without lesions in visible or genital areas.

## Abstract

Only a few studies exist on the psychosocial impact of vitiligo in German patients, in particular those affected in genital and visible body areas.

This monocentric pilot study aimed to assess well‐being of adult patients with vitiligo and to compare sex, age, and clinical characteristics between patients with and without genital, facial and hand involvement. Well‐being was assessed using the WHO‐5 questionnaire and quality of life with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Furthermore, psychometric properties of the WHO‐5 well‐being index were tested.

In total, 110 patients (mean age ± SD: 47.5 ± 14.7 years; 54.5% female; 95.5% with non‐segmental vitiligo) were included. The WHO‐5 mean score was 13.3, with 46 patients (42.2%) having a score < 13, indicating reduced well‐being. Sixteen patients (14.7%) had a WHO‐5 score < 7, indicating a high probability of depression. No significant differences in WHO‐5 or DLQI scores were found between patients with vs without genital, facial, and hand involvement. Psychometric properties were confirmed to be good.

Our findings emphasize the psychosocial impact of vitiligo in German patients, as reflected by reduced well‐being, and suggest the usefulness of the WHO‐5 as a simple psychosocial screening tool for routine care.