Stigmatizing attitudes towards facial psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo and alopecia areata

This study investigated the stigmatizing attitudes towards facial psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata among 598 participants without prior knowledge or personal experience of these conditions. Participants viewed AI-generated images and completed questionnaires to assess emotional responses and social attitudes. Vitiligo elicited the most compassion and curiosity, while psoriasis was associated with disgust and blame, likely due to misconceptions about hygiene. Alopecia areata was more accepted in social media and dating contexts, reflecting its visibility online. Atopic dermatitis was perceived as less hygienic and more contagious. Overall, 15.9% of participants desired social distance, and 14.0% endorsed stigmatizing stereotypes. Older age and male sex were linked to higher stigma, while higher education predicted increased social distancing. The study highlights the need for public health campaigns to address misinformation and promote inclusion for individuals with chronic skin conditions.