Psychosocial burden and quality of life impairment in adults with vitiligo: a cross-sectional assessment

Background Vitiligo, a chronic autoimmune depigmenting disorder, substantially affects patients’ psychosocial well-being despite its benign physical course. Limited evidence from Saudi Arabia explores the quality-of-life (QoL) impact of vitiligo and its clinical correlates. Objective To assess QoL impairment among adults with vitiligo and to determine the relationship between disease characteristics and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores. Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 121 adults attending a tertiary dermatology center in Saudi Arabia. Data on sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected, and QoL was evaluated using the validated DLQI instrument (Arabic/English). Statistical analyses included descriptive measures, χ 2 tests, Pearson’s correlation, and one-way ANOVA, with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Results Higher DLQI scores were significantly associated with greater body-surface-area involvement, facial + body distribution, and bilateral lesions. Emotional distress, clothing limitations, and restricted social and leisure activities were the most affected domains. Conclusion Vitiligo markedly impairs QoL, particularly when lesions are visible and extensive. Incorporating routine DLQI screening and psychosocial support into dermatologic practice may improve holistic patient management.