[Medical care situation of people with vitiligo : A pilot and feasibility study on guideline-oriented management in German dermatology practices].

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is a common chronic disease leading to pigment cell loss in the skin. Despite international consensus recommendations on diagnosis and treatment and the German AWMF S1-guideline published in April 2021, no data exist on the adherence to these recommendations among German dermatologists in private practice. The aim of this pilot project and feasibility study was to obtain preliminary insight into the medical care situation provided by German dermatology practices to people with vitiligo.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional observational study, we addressed 572 dermatologists working in German private practices with a questionnaire on attitude, utilized diagnostic procedures, and prescription of reimbursable therapies.

RESULTS

The majority (53.7%) considered vitiligo a cosmetic problem. Over half (51.1%) of the dermatologists did not use any of the diagnostic methods surveyed, and approximately a quarter (25.6%) did not use any of the therapies surveyed. Dermatologists who regard vitiligo as a serious disease use diagnostic procedures significantly more often and prescribe guideline-based therapies significantly more frequently than those who view vitiligo as a cosmetic issue.

CONCLUSION

Our cross-sectional observational and pilot study suggests a dramatic undertreatment of patients with vitiligo in private practices in Germany. Larger and more detailed studies are needed to confirm our preliminary data. In addition, measures that improve guideline-compliant therapy are required.