Insights on Mental Health, Nutrition in Pediatric Vitiligo

At the Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD) 50th Annual Meeting, 2 poster presentations shed light on often-overlooked aspects of vitiligo in children, including the mental health burden and the emerging role of diet and supplements. The first study highlights the need for integrated psychosocial care,¹ and the second explores growing but still inconclusive evidence supporting nutritional strategies as adjuncts to conventional vitiligo therapies.²

Two poster presentations at the Society for Pediatric Dermatology Annual Meeting explore the psychological toll seen and potential nutritional approaches in managing vitiligo in children and adolescents. | Image Credit: Liga Cerina - stock.adobe.com

The first poster is a narrative review aimed at analyzing existing literature on the psychological effects of vitiligo in pediatric populations, focusing on depression, anxiety, body image, and self-esteem.¹ The researchers analyzed studies from 2005 to 2024 using the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, selecting those that evaluated mental health in children aged 5 to 18 years with vitiligo.

This review found consistently high rates of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem among affected children—particularly those with early-onset disease, facial involvement, or limited family support. Additionally, peer bullying, academic avoidance, and cultural stigma were common themes. Furthermore, adolescents were especially vulnerable due to heightened social sensitivity. Despite this, mental health screening remains rare in pediatric dermatology settings. Therefore, the authors of the study advocate for routine psychosocial assessments and collaborative care models to address these unmet needs.

The second poster presented a systematic review examining dietary and nutritional interventions in managing vitiligo, with a particular focus on pediatric patients.² The researchers conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed and Embase from 2000 to 2025 using relevant keywords and screening.

Of 840 studies identified, 70 remained for full-text analysis. Preliminary findings indicated that nutrients such as vitamin D, B12, folic acid, zinc, and antioxidants like Polypodium leucotomos are the most commonly studied. Outcomes reported in the literature included varying degrees of repigmentation, lesion stability, and improvements in quality of life. However, the authors noted that most studies were limited by small sample sizes, adult-only cohorts, or inconsistent methodologies; they emphasized the need for pediatric-specific clinical trials to guide nutritional recommendations in vitiligo care.

Together, these studies emphasize the importance of a more holistic approach to pediatric vitiligo management that addresses both the emotional toll of visible skin differences and the potential role of nutritional support. Although mental health screening and support services are critically underutilized, early intervention could significantly improve quality of life. Similarly, despite promising evidence for diet-based therapies, more rigorous research tailored to pediatric populations is essential before recommendations can be standardized.

References

1. Patel B, Zaide M, Omari S. The hidden burden: Mental health impacts of vitiligo in children and adolescents. Poster presented at: Society for Pediatric Dermatology Annual Meeting; July 23-26, 2025; Seattle, WA. Abstract POS-115.

2. Cornelius K, Kumar M. Diet and nutritional supplements in the management of pediatric vitiligo. Poster presented at: Society for Pediatric Dermatology Annual Meeting; July 23-26, 2025; Seattle, WA. Abstract POS-051.