How does vitiligo affect the daily life of a person?

Subsequent global studies have consistently reported the negative impact of vitiligo on patients’ self-esteem and quality of life (QoL). Vitiligo causes isolation, stigmatization, loss of self-esteem, depression, and self-consciousness.

Why is it important to be informed about vitiligo?

But, vitiligo is only a condition in which immune system destroys melanocytes (melanin-forming cell) in the skin, and it has nothing to do with leprosy,” explained Singh. “People need to be made aware that vitiligo is simply a skin condition which can be treated and does not spread through physical contact,” he added.

How do you mentally deal with vitiligo?

Treatment for Depression and Anxiety in Vitiligo

1. Therapy — Psychotherapy can be an effective way to manage depression and anxiety.
2. Medication — Several medication options can be used to treat depression and anxiety, including antidepressants and anxiolytics, respectively.

How do people feel about vitiligo?

People with vitiligo may feel embarrassed or anxious about their skin. Sometimes people are rude – they may stare or say unkind things. This could cause a person with vitiligo to develop low self-esteem. This in turn could create anxiety or depression issues and make someone want to isolate.

Does vitiligo affect your offspring?

If a person has vitiligo, the risk that a first-degree family member (parent, child, or sibling) is 5\%, or 5 times higher than the general population. That seems like a big increase, but even so, that means only about 1 in 20 first-degree relatives of vitiligo patients get vitiligo as well.

Why vitiligo is not curable?

Affecting approximately 1\% of the population, vitiligo can be an emotionally and socially devastating disease. Particularly frustrating to many is its unpredictable progression, which can be slow or rapid. Thus far, there is no cure for vitiligo.

Why do people suffer from vitiligo?

Vitiligo is caused by the lack of a pigment called melanin in the skin. Melanin is produced by skin cells called melanocytes, and it gives your skin its colour. In vitiligo, there are not enough working melanocytes to produce enough melanin in your skin. This causes white patches to develop on your skin or hair.

What happens if you don’t treat vitiligo?

If vitiligo is not treated, it may spread extensively to involve various skin areas. Rarely, some patches may go away or decrease in size. Although vitiligo is neither dangerous nor it causes symptoms, such as pain or itch, the sufferers may be upset and stressed because of the way their skin appears.

Can vitiligo be hereditary?

Vitiligo sometimes runs in families, but the inheritance pattern is complex because multiple causative factors are involved. About one-fifth of people with this condition have at least one close relative who is also affected.

Is vitiligo born?

Vitiligo occurs equally between the sexes with no racial predilections. The majority of cases are acquired and arise between the second and third decades of life. Acquired vitiligo has an unpredictable clinical course. Congenital vitiligo is rare with few reported cases.

What is the Vitiligo Society doing to support those with vitiligo?

The Vitiligo Society are delighted to announce the launch of their new online shop selling a range of branded merchandise for those with vitiligo. The shop, which has been a key focus since January this year, has been one of our critical objectives for the Society and forms part of our strategy to raise awareness and represent the global community.

Why are vitiligo treatments so expensive?

For now, because they are still considered off-label by the FDA for use in vitiligo, these drugs are rarely covered by insurance for the treatment of vitiligo, and therefore can be quite expensive. A diagnosis of vitiligo can be life-altering.

What are the symptoms of vitiligo on the body?

The main symptom of vitiligo is loss of natural color. The patches can show up on any part of your body and can affect: Skin, which gets milky-white patches, usually on the hands, feet, arms, and face. Hair, which can turn white on the scalp, eyebrow, eyelash, and beard. The inside of your mouth or nose.

How do you get rid of vitiligo permanently?

Living with vitiligo. Health care professionals can recommend treatments for your vitiligo, but you can also take part in your own care. Sunscreen can help protect your skin from long-term damage. Cosmetics, such as self-tanning lotions or dyes, can cover the white patches.