Correlation between Vitiligo Lesion Localisation and Depression

Abstract

Vitiligo, a primarily dermatological condition, has devastating effects beyond the skin. Since ancient times, the disease has been associated with stigma and shame, impacting the mental health of those affected. Given that vitiligo is a visually aesthetic disease with implications for psychological well-being, it often leads to depression. This paper aims to investigate how the visual aspects of vitiligo, considering its various extents and locations on the human body, affect the depressive symptoms experienced by a significant number of vitiligo patients.

After a thorough investigation and analysis of a substantial amount of data and research, the correlation between vitiligo lesions and depression appears consistently high, despite some researchers suggesting otherwise. Contrary to common belief, visual lesions on hands and face are not the only localizations with a strong correlation to depressive symptoms. Sensitive areas such as the trunk and genitals also seem to play a significant role in this correlation. However, not only the visuality of the disease seems to be correlated to depression, instead a variety of factors play part to its psychological complications.