O impacto psicossocial do vitiligo em adolescente do sexo feminino: um relato de caso

Psychosocial Impact of Vitiligo in a Female Adolescent - Case Study

Abstract

Objective: To discuss the social stigma caused by vitiligo, an unpredictable condition, as well as diagnostic procedures
involving dentistry and dermatology, with subsequent dermatological and psychological monitoring in order to assist the
adolescent in the best possible way. Case description: A 14-year-old girl was referred by a dentist to our dermatology unit
with an achromic macular lesion on the right calf and mood swings; she reported feelings of embarrassment caused by this
lesion when asked about it by schoolmates. Now diagnosed with vitiligo and with leprosy ruled out, she is being treated
by the dermatology unit with psychological monitoring, in order to lessen the psychosocial impact of this lesion in her daily
life. Comments: Vitiligo is an acquired disorder of the skin and mucous membranes, characterized by the existence of
circumscribed depigmented macules caused by the selective destruction of melanocytes. It adversely affects the quality of
life for adolescents, as it is closely related to concerns about the disease among these patients and possible stigma, result
ing in withdrawal and low self-esteem in this age group. These facts make multidisciplinary care crucial during treatment