Vitiligo is an auto-immune disorder that causes your skin to lose its color or pigment. When the pigment-producing skin cells, the melanocytes, are attacked and destroyed, it results in a milky-white discoloration of the skin and is known as vitiligo. Although it is usually a completely harmless disorder and people with vitiligo can lead a normal life, it often has psychological effects on people. There are also many myths associated with vitiligo. Dr Soumya Jagadeesan, Associate Professor, Dermatology, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, dispels vitiligo myths and misconceptions.
Is vitiligo incurable? Learn All About Skin Disorders
Dr Soumya Jagadeesan clears 8 common misconceptions people have about vitiligo. read on.
1. Myth: Vitiligo is caused by certain foods, especially sour-tasting foods
fact: Vitiligo is not caused by any particular food item. However, a person suffering from vitiligo is advised to have a balanced diet rich in antioxidants while avoiding junk and fried foods.
2. Myth: Vitiligo can be spread through close contact
fact: It is a non-infectious disease; It cannot spread through touch or other means of contact.
3. Myth: If the father or mother has vitiligo, the child will too
fact: Apart from a slightly increased risk in close family members, children do not necessarily develop vitiligo if one parent has it.
4. Myth: Only people with dark skin get vitiligo
fact: Vitiligo can be seen in any race or skin type. It is more noticeable in people with darker skin, but it can affect individuals of all skin tones.
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5. Myth: There is no cure for vitiligo
fact: There are many highly effective treatment methods for vitiligo, especially now with targeted immunomodulatory therapy, phototherapy and surgical therapy which can produce considerable remissions in people with vitiligo.
6. Myth: People with vitiligo should not participate in sports or other physical activities
fact: People with vitiligo can participate in all outdoor and physical activities with adequate sun protection. There is no anxiety that should prevent them from leading an otherwise normal life.
7. Myth: Any white spot on the skin is vitiligo
fact: There are many other conditions that can mimic vitiligo, such as pityriasis alba in children, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis in older adults, some fungal infections, and some other skin diseases and allergies. It is important to consult a dermatologist before unnecessarily naming white patches on the skin as vitiligo.
8. Myth: Sun exposure is good for vitiligo
fact: Sun exposure without photosensitizers or phototherapy is not recommended for the treatment of vitiligo. In fact, it can lead to sunburn, which can make the situation worse.