Social Appearance Anxiety and Its Impact on Patients with Verruca Vulgaris: a Comparative Study with Healthy Controls

Abstract

Aim: Verruca vulgaris, commonly known as warts, is a benign skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus. These lesions can appear on visible parts of the body, leading to concerns about appearance and social interactions. This comparative study seeks to evaluate the social appearance anxiety experienced by individuals afflicted with verruca vulgaris on prominently visible body regions, employing the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS) for comparative analysis with healthy counterparts. Materials and Methods: A group of patients comprising 180 patients aged between 18 to 65 years, diagnosed with verruca vulgaris, alongside 170 healthy controls, participated in the examination. The participants undertook the SAAS, as well as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales; supplementary assessments concerning dermatological quality of life and Visual Analog Scales (VASs) were also administered to the patient group. Results: The average mean SAAS score for the patient group was 58.47, contrasting with the control group's mean score of 20.92, which signifies a markedly elevated level of anxiety among patients with verruca vulgaris (P < 0.01). A noteworthy positive correlation was identified between SAAS and VAS scores (r = 0.325, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Visible verruca vulgaris lesions contribute to heightened social appearance anxiety. The findings suggest the need for integrating psychiatric care alongside dermatological treatment to address the psychological impact of the condition.