Decoding Vitiligo: Acceptance Is The Key

A LinkedIn post about the shame that comes with vitiligo took over social media recently when Sri Lankan entrepreneur Thushara Karunaratne, the CEO of a medical equipment company, admitted that he was hesitant to upload his display picture as his connections may not be comfortable with his health condition. He wrote, “In case we bump into each other, just wanted to let you know… same self, lives inside.”

The fear of judgment forces many such individuals to live their lives in isolation. On World Vitiligo Day, today, experts shed some light on the skin condition to reduce the stigma around it and highlight the need for acceptance.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that occurs due to the lack of a pigment called melanin. Melanin is produced by skin cells called melanocytes It is responsible for skin color. In vitiligo, the lack of melanin in the skin leads to white patches developing in the skin and hair.

In 20% of the cases, it can be inherited. Stress is an added factor that drives this condition. It acts as a catalyst.

People say milk and fish were taken together cause vitiligo, but there is no scientific basis for this. Some also believe that vitiligo is incurable. The truth is when treatment is started early enough, near-complete recoloration is possible. But long-term medicines may be needed to maintain the cure.

Although vitiligo is mainly a cosmetic condition, people with it may experience a variety of problems. “People with vitiligo are more likely to get other autoimmune diseases such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, pernicious anemia, and more. They feel embarrassed or anxious. An acceptance by society may help the person to deal with fewer challenges.

Also Read: Skincare Tips: 5 Super Ingredients To Help Fight Skin Ailments This Summer