For dermatology clinicians looking to optimize care for patients with vitiligo, understanding the psychosocial impact of the condition is “absolutely essential.” That’s according to Pearl E. Grimes, MD, FAAD, chair of the Pigmentary Disorders Exchange Symposium.

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In this Next Steps in Derm video interview, Dr. Grimes shares how truly effective care cannot be achieved without recognizing the overall burden of the disease. Low self-esteem and diminished self-worth are two commonly studied effects of vitiligo. In addition, Dr. Grimes says vitiligo patients often feel stigmatized, ostracized, and invisible.

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Dr. Grimes gives a call to action: develop easy, effective new tools that any dermatologist can use to assess quality of life and burden of disease in vitiligo patients. While these tools are used in research, they aren’t yet adapted for a busy practice with limited time with patients. As Dr. Grimes points out, only by recognizing the psychosocial impact of vitiligo can clinicians accurately determine the most appropriate treatments for their patients.