Vitiligo management strategy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as reported by dermatologists and experienced by patients

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo patients repeatedly experience disinterest from the medical world regarding their disease as it does not cause physical impairment. Several therapeutic options are available for vitiligo management. Objectives: The aim is to study vitiligo management strategy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (KSA) as indicated by dermatologists and as experienced by patients. Methods: A written questionnaire was distributed to 132 dermatologists practicing in Jeddah, KSA. Another questionnaire was filled by 186 vitiligo patients attending dermatology outpatient clinic Al-Jedaani Hospital. Results: For 76% of the participating dermatologists in Jeddah, KSA, vitiligo is not a pure cosmetic problem and 69% of the participating dermatologists encourage vitiligo treatment (acknowledged by 65% of patients). The main therapy was topical steroids and narrowband ultraviolet-B (NB-UVB) therapy in vitiligo focalis and vulgaris, respectively, for both children and adults. Of the participating patients, 51%, 57%, and 21% of patients reported getting adequate information from their first dermatologists about the disease name, treatment options, and prognosis, respectively. There is a significant correlation between ever receiving treatment and awareness of the exact diagnosis (p < 0.01), awareness of treatment options (p < 0.05) and treatment encouragement (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Dermatologists in Jeddah, KSA, are enthusiastic about vitiligo management; however, still some patients feel discouraged and misinformed. The study demonstrates the need for national evidence-based guidelines reflecting unique features of patients in this community.

Key words::

• attitude
• questionnaire
• successful therapy