Vitiligo is a skin condition where there is a loss of skin color in patches. The color of the skin is determined by the melanin produced in our bodies. Vitiligo occurs when the cells that make this melanin die or stop functioning. This condition can affect people of any skin color and is mostly misunderstood by many as leprosy. This skin disorder causing depigmentation affects about 0.5% to 1% population of the world. Several misunderstandings surround this skin disorder. As World Vitiligo Day is approaching on June 25, we will dispel some of the common myths through this article.
Vitiligo is a skin disorder that affects the mind more than the body. Here, we burst the common myths in an endeavor to raise awareness about this skin disease.
Myths About Vitiligo
Let us analyze some of the most common MYTHS surrounding this condition so that we are more aware.
Vitiligo Is Life-Threatening:
This skin condition is not life-threatening and can be treated to a great extent. Most Vitiligo patients can lead a normal life unless they are suffering from other autoimmune disorders, like hyperthyroidism, etc.
Vitiligo is a skin condition at the cellular level and is not contagious in nature. Never think twice before shaking hands with a person who has Vitiligo; it cannot be transferred through a person at all. It is best if you converse with a patient without ever stating the disease. Normal behavior is what a patient expects and not sympathy.
Drinking Milk With Non-Veg Food Causes Vitiligo:
It is a very famous myth in which people are warned not to have milked the day when they have consumed non-veg food items. No science backs this theory. Since the other name for Vitiligo is Leukoderma, and it translates to ‘white skin,’ it can be a possible reason where this myth originated.
Vitiligo Is Caused Due To Excessive Exposure To The Sun:
There is no apparent connection between excessive exposure to the sun and having Vitiligo. What is true is that people who have Vitiligo should avoid excessive exposure to the sun.
Vitiligo Goes Away Completely After Some Time:
Unfortunately, this is a myth that Vitiligo will vanish away after some time. If left untreated, it is known to spread even further, and hence it is advisable for the person who has Vitiligo to seek urgent medical assistance. In most cases, the patches start small and, over a while, increase in size and number. Remember, it is a skin disorder with no cure, but it can be treated and brought in control with proper medical help.
Vitiligo Is A Result Of Having Mixed-Race Parents:
This is probably one of the most absurd myths out there and needs to end asap. Unfortunately, since it is more noticeable in dark-skinned people, this myth is widespread. However, the race of parents does not determine whether the child will have Vitiligo or not.
Vitiligo Can Be Cured By Using Herbal Medicines:
There are no proven herbal medicines that have successfully treated Vitiligo, and hence reliability of these products as a magic cure needs to stop.
A person who is suffering from Vitiligo is already anxious and nervous about the consequences it will have, especially if it has affected any visible parts of the body. It is extremely unwise to then treat such people in an unhealthy way believing in such myths. False myths which have no scientific backing affect the mind of a patient in a very bad way. Stress and anxiety can lead to depression amongst such people, and it also affects the confidence level, thereby affecting the persons’ personality.
Studies have been conducted on people’s behavior and attitude on Vitiligo, and the results are horrible, with people even rejecting brides because they have Vitiligo. Therefore, educating people on Vitiligo is a must and crucial to increasing the self-confidence, social integration, and psychological well-being of a patient with Vitiligo.
Several therapies have emerged with the time that can help the patient lead a normal life. Some of the known therapies include UV light therapy, skin grafting, etc. Some patients prefer the use of cosmetics to cover the visible patches. The researches are underway for better treatment, and hopefully, with time, we will reach there. But for now, treat Vitiligo patients equally. Empathize with them rather than showing sympathy.