Vitiligo, characterised by patches of lighter skin, is a more common condition than you might think. Think about it! All of us know at least one person who suffers from this condition. Yet, it is largely looked down upon in our society, and seen as a shortcoming because of our obsession with supposed flawlessness.
According to the Global Vitiligo Foundation, vitiligo affects more than 1% of the global population. This means more than 70 million people on this earth have this condition, which can appear anywhere on the body, from the face and hands to the arms, legs, and genitals. Yet, despite its prevalence, many misconceptions linger around vitiligo.
What Is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is not just a surface-level skin issue. Unlike a simple pigmentation issue, vitiligo delves deeper. According to the National Health Service, vitiligo is classified as an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body's immune system mistakenly targets and destroys melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in our skin. This disruption leads to the development of white patches, devoid of melanin, the very pigment responsible for our skin's colour.
Myths Surrounding Vitiligo
Talking to the Onlymyhealth team Dr G Ravichandran, Dermatologist, Apollo Spectra, Chennai dispelled some common myths surrounding Vitiligo.
Vitiligo Is Contagious
Contrary to discriminatory beliefs, Dr Ravichandran said, “Vitiligo cannot spread through touch or contact. It's an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the pigment-producing cells melanocytes.”
Too Much Sun Exposure Causes Vitiligo
Another misconception centres around the sun. While sun exposure can indeed increase the contrast between pigmented and non-pigmented areas, it's not a direct cause of vitiligo. On the contrary, a study by University Hospital, Sweden found that sun exposure is actually beneficial for managing vitiligo.
However, sun protection becomes even more crucial for those with vitiligo. Melanin acts as a natural defence against harmful UV rays, and its absence makes individuals with vitiligo more susceptible to sunburn. So, sunscreen becomes an essential part of their daily routine.
Vitiligo Only Affects The Skin
Vitiligo's impact isn't limited to the skin's surface. The condition can also affect hair and mucous membranes. Hair growing from vitiligo patches may turn white, and the inner lining of the mouth or nose might show pigment loss. This holistic view of vitiligo highlights the interconnectedness of our bodies and the complex nature of this condition.
Vitiligo In Incurable
“While there's no permanent cure for vitiligo, various treatment options can help manage the condition. The choice of treatment depends on various factors including the severity and location of the depigmentation,” said Dr Ravichandran. These include:
- Light therapy: This involves exposing affected areas to controlled amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light, which is a popular option.
- Topical medications: Topical medications, such as corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, can also help pigment the skin.
- Surgical procedures: In some cases, surgical procedures like skin grafting might be considered.
Also Read: World Vitiligo Day 2021: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment For Vitiligo
Living With Vitiligo
Vitiligo can undoubtedly impact self-esteem. However, with the right support system, embracing your unique beauty and learning to manage the condition effectively can empower you to live a fulfilling life. For this, it is crucial to demystify the myths around this not-so-rare disease.
Dr Ravichandran concluded that providing accurate information and support to individuals affected by vitiligo is crucial to prevent stigma and misunderstanding about vitiligo. Raising awareness about the facts of vitiligo can foster empathy and acceptance, leading to a more compassionate environment for those living with this skin condition.