A repercussão do vitiligo no cotidiano: uma questão para a terapia ocupacional

Abstract

Vitiligo is a chronic, acquired, and generally progressive systemic disease characterized by the appearance of achromic spots on areas of the skin due to the absence of melanin. Although vitiligo does not cause physical disability, it can have a significant psychosocial impact. Considering that emotional and mental health aspects have an impact on people's daily lives, occupational therapy can be presented as a comprehensive care approach for the person. Although occupational therapy is a common therapeutic proposal for several chronic health conditions, there are few studies that directly address the care of people with chronic dermatological problems, such as vitiligo. This is an exploratory and descriptive research, with a case study approach, involving qualitative and qualitative methodology. People with vitiligo who are undergoing occupational therapy treatment or who have been undergoing treatment were invited to participate via social media. One person actually participated. Data were produced through a characterization questionnaire, a semi-structured interview, and the application of two instruments of social participation and quality of life. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The results of this research showed that living with vitiligo has repercussions on daily life, limiting the performance of activities in which the spots are visible, and triggering coping strategies that minimize the effects of stigma. Given the diverse impacts of living with vitiligo on daily life, occupational therapy can be considered a care strategy with the potential to promote greater integration between who the person with vitiligo is and their potential to perform activities and participate socially, in addition to facing the stigmas of the disease. Thus, this study opens new questions for research that seeks to understand the effects of vitiligo on daily activities, as well as on specific care strategies in our field.