Life satisfaction among people with vitiligo: the role of social support and acceptance of the condition.

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterised by progressive depigmentation. The visibility of skin lesions, their location, and perceived social stigma can exacerbate emotional stress and reduce life satisfaction. For this reason, the condition can significantly affect mental well-being and social functioning. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between life satisfaction in individuals with vitiligo and the level of social support and degree of acceptance of illness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 215 individuals diagnosed with vitiligo. The Standardised Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was used to assess life satisfaction, the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) was used to assess illness acceptance and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was used to assess the perceptions of social support. RESULTS: Women (88.8%), city dwellers (82.8%) and people with higher education (65.6%) constituted the majority of the study group. The majority of participants demonstrated a high level of acceptance of their disease and satisfaction with life. Suicidal thoughts and feelings of ostracism were rare, but 41.8% of participants reported long-term low mood. A higher level of social support and acceptance of illness was significantly associated with greater life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their declared acceptance of their own appearance, patients with vitiligo often experience low mood and undertake strategies to hide their skin lesions. The results emphasise the need for holistic care, combining dermatological treatment with psychological and social support to increase patients' life satisfaction.