Vitiligo patients experience barriers in accessing care.

Vitiligo is a loss of pigment occurring in approximately 0.4% to 2% of the worldwide population. The aim of this study was to determine and characterize barriers to access of care in US patients with vitiligo. An Internet-based, deidentified survey consisting of 82 questions about topics including demographics, recommendations for care, and/or barriers to receiving recommended care was designed and distributed to member participants in an online vitiligo support community consisting of patients (and parents/guardians of adolescents). Results indicated that treatment cost, relationships, work schedule, school schedule, number of sites affected, and female sex may be barriers to receiving prescribed care in some patients with vitiligo. Exploration of mechanisms by which these barriers can be reduced in the medical care of vitiligo may allow more patients to successfully receive treatment.