Effect of Shwitra Vitiligo on Quality of Life and Depression an Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Shwitra a soul harrowing disease is one among various skin diseases. It is very distressing disease both for the patient as well as physician. It is major problem for patients, because of its ugly appearance and presentation of the body, which may disturb their personal, familial and social life. For physician Shwitra is troublesome because there is lack of particular remedy for radical cure and its poor prognosis. According to modern dermatology, Shwitra can be correlated with Vitiligo and leucoderma. Normal skin color is dependent on hemoglobin (in both the oxygenated and reduced state), carotenoids and melanin pigment1. Vitiligo is a common disorder of unknown etiology even today2. Worldwide prevalence of Vitiligo is observed as 1 % of the population3. Based on dermatological out patient record, it is estimated between 3-4 % in India, although an incidence as high as 8.8% in Gujarat and Rajasthan states has also been reported4. Vitiligo may become; a psychologically devastating disorder when it typically occurs in exposed areas (face and hands) has a major impact on self esteem and perception of the self. The present study focus light on the assessment of quality of life and level of depression in patients of Shwitra (Vitiligo) and to compare with that of matched control population. For assessment of level of depression Hamilton Depression Rating Scale has been used. While for assessment of dermatology life quality index DLQI questionnaire was used. Aim: To study Effect of Shwitra (Vitiligo) On Quality Of Life and Depression. Objectives: To assess quality of life in patients of Shwitra (Vitiligo) and to compare with that of matched control sample and to compare the frequency and the level of depression in patients of Shwitra (Vitiligo) with that of matched control sample.