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

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.