Quality of life and psychological impact of premature canities: A study from North India

Background: Premature canities is largely an unexplored zone. Its onset in adolescence may have a significant effect on the developing psyche of an individual sufferer, especially in Indian patients with skin of color. Thus far, the impact of premature canities on quality of life (QoL) has not been documented. Aim: To objectively evaluate the impact of premature canities on QoL. Methods: The impact on QoL was calculated with the help of a modified and validated questionnaire on 52 patients with onset of canities before the age of 20 years. Results: The mean modified Dermatology Life Quality Index score recorded was 16.42 ± 5.93. Almost 85% patients were found to have a very large to extremely large effect on the QoL. Embarrassment, need for treatment and guilt were reported most frequently. The less severely affected domains were those pertaining to interpersonal relationship and work or studies. The limitation of the study was small sample size and lack of control group. Conclusion: Patients of premature canities were found to have an adverse impact on their QoL, attributable to the disease, seen most prominently to affect their psychology or emotional well-being and the felt need of medical care. Considering the age group affected, it could have a long-term detrimental effect on their psychological wellbeing.