Cosmetology students’ knowledge about vitiligo

Introduction
Knowledge of various dermatological conditions, including rare ones, is extremely important in the work of a cosmetologist. People working in this profession should constantly expand their knowledge in this area. One of the dermatological disorders is vitiligo. Approximately 60% of patients with vitiligo experience depressive symptoms as a result of their disease. Vitiligo lesions can contribute to isolation and stigmatization of patients. A cosmetologist with detailed knowledge of vitiligo can, for example, in cooperation with a dermatologist, contribute to improving the patient’s health, self-esteem, and self-confidence.

Aim of the research
To investigate the knowledge of cosmetology students about vitiligo.

Material and methods
A proprietary, anonymous survey questionnaire was created for the purpose of the study. It consisted of 22 questions, the main objective of which was to check the knowledge of cosmetology students of Jan Kochanowski University on vitiligo, it was printed and distributed in paper form. All complete questionnaires were analysed using Excel. The survey was conducted among 96 students of Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce.

Results
The average score obtained by the respondents was 44.67%, while the arithmetic mean of the points obtained was 7.59 out of 17 possible. Students of cosmetology at Jan Kochanowski University demonstrated general knowledge about vitiligo, allowing for the diagnosis of vitiligo and advice on skin care. Among the surveyed bachelor’s degree students of cosmetology, the greatest knowledge of vitiligo was observed among the third-year students. The professionally active students showed more practical knowledge than the students who had not yet started work.

Conclusions
It is advisable for students of cosmetology at Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce to broaden their knowledge on the following: methods of vitiligo treatment, the typical location of vitiligo lesions, and cosmetic procedures that may contribute to the formation of new vitiligo spots.