The Lived Experiences of Persons with Vitiligo: A Phenomenological Research

Abstract

Aims: This study was aimed to evaluate the lived experiences of vitiligo patients. Study Design: Descriptive phenomenological approach. Place and Duration of Study: Dermatology clinics of Zabol and Zahedan hospitals in southeast Iran, 1 years. Methodology: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 male and female patients with vitiligo, who were selected through purposeful sampling method. Collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi method. Results: The extracted themes were the challenging emergence of the disease; tirelessly patient in follow-up different treatments; true and false beliefs about the disease; difference in coping with disease in all patients; changes of lifestyle due psychosocial problems; stigma community gifts for patients. Conclusion: The vitiligo patients faced with challenges that affect their lives. Enhancing knowledge and awareness of families and society as the fundamental factors in shaping the futures of these people is possible through mass beliefs changes. Moreover, healthcare providers should be aware of the suffering and experiences of these patients, and attempt to understand them when providing physical and mental health care and support.