Story Highlight : Vitiligo is often described as a condition or a disease that kills the soul rather than the body
Mamta Mohandas, a Malayalam actress, singer and film producer, and cancer survivor revealed on Instagram last Sunday that she has vitiligo, an autoimmune condition resulting in skin discoloration. She wrote a heartwarming message and posted two images from her home.
“Dear” (sun emoji), I embrace you now like I have never before, she wrote alongside the pictures. Spotted, I’m starting to fade. Every morning, I get up even before you do to watch you shine your first ray through the haze. Give me everything you’ve got because, thanks to your grace, I will be indebted forever, she wrote, followed by a few hashtags “embrace the journey,” “vitiligo,” and “autoimmune disease.”
Check it out below!
What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a skin condition in which white patches appear on the skin due to the loss of pigmentation. The cause of Vitiligo is not fully understood, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in the skin. The condition can affect any part of the body, including the face, but it most commonly affects areas that are exposed to the sun.
Vitiligo is not contagious and it is not harmful to health, but it can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and quality of life.
Symptoms Of Vitiligo
The development of white spots on the skin is the most common symptom of vitiligo. These patches can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the face, hands, feet, arms, and legs. They may be small or large, and they may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
Other symptoms of Vitiligo may include:
- Loss of colour in the mucous membranes (inside the mouth, nose, and eyes)
- Loss of colour in the hair (eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard)
- Loss of or change in colour of the retina (part of the eye that senses light)
- On the skin, there is an itching or burning feeling.
There is no known way to prevent Vitiligo, but there are a few things that you can do to help manage the condition:
- Use sunscreen to protect the affected skin from sun damage
- Wear clothes that cover the affected areas to protect them from sun exposure
- Avoid skin irritants such as harsh soaps, detergents, and chemicals
- Avoiding or minimizing stress, which can exacerbate the condition
- Consult with a doctor or a dermatologist for the best treatment options.
It’s also important to keep in mind that people with Vitiligo may face social stigma and discrimination because of the appearance of their skin. If you’re experiencing emotional distress because of Vitiligo, consider seeking the help of a therapist or counsellor.
Also Read |Know more about signs and symptoms of Vitiligo
What Are The Causes Of Vitiligo?
It’s likely that specific events, such as stressful ones like childbirth, skin damage like severe sunburn or cuts (this is known as the Koebner response), and exposure to certain chemicals, like at work, could cause vitiligo.
Generally, it is considered that a combination of genetic and environmental factors is the root cause of vitiligo. The condition can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or ethnicity, but it is more common in people with a family history of the condition.
The condition can develop at any age, but it often appears before age 20. In some people, the white patches may appear suddenly and spread rapidly, while in others the condition may develop gradually over time.
Treatment For Vitiligo
Vitiligo has no proven treatment; however, several methods can help the affected areas regain pigmentation. Vitiligo causes white patches that are typically permanent, but there are ways to treat them to make them less noticeable.
Skin camouflage lotion can be used to conceal tiny spots if necessary.
Steroid creams can also be applied to the skin to restore some colour, although continued use might result in stretch marks and skin thinning.
Phototherapy (light therapy) may be applied if steroid creams are ineffective.
Although therapy may help restore colour to your skin, the impact does not usually endure. The spread of the illness cannot be halted by treatment.
The white patches may be coloured again with the use of a different treatment called photochemotherapy, which mixes the light therapy with a chemical derived from plants called psoralen.
Learn more about vitiligo treatment.
Is Vitiligo A Contagious Disease?
Vitiligo is a non-contagious and non-infectious chronic (long-lasting) disease, so it cannot be spread from person to person through physical contact like Covid etc.
Also Read | Health risk of overweight & obesity and recommendations to overcome it
Research and Development on Vitiligo
There have been recent advances in the understanding of the causes of Vitiligo and the development of new treatments.
One area of research that has been gaining attention is the role of genetics in the development of Vitiligo. Studies have identified several genes that may be associated with an increased risk of the condition.
Another area of research is the use of stem cells to treat Vitiligo. Studies have shown that stem cells can be used to generate new melanocytes, the cells that produce pigmentation in the skin. This has the potential to be a more effective treatment for Vitiligo than traditional therapies.
Additionally, the use of the therapy called Narrowband UVB therapy has been gaining popularity. The affected skin will be exposed to UV radiation as part of this treatment. The UVB light is absorbed by the melanocytes and activates the production of melanin.
However, it’s important to note that these are still in the research phase and more studies are needed to fully understand the effectiveness and long-term safety of these treatments.
Vitiligo Cases In India and World
It is estimated that Vitiligo affects around 1%-2% of the world’s population. The prevalence of Vitiligo varies in different populations, with higher rates reported in certain ethnic groups such as people of Indian, African, and Asian descent. The Indian subcontinent has the highest incidence, followed by Mexico and Japan.
In India, the prevalence of Vitiligo is estimated to be between 0.5% to 2%. It’s important to note that these are rough estimates, the prevalence of Vitiligo may vary depending on the population being studied. Also, the exact number of cases of Vitiligo in India and worldwide is not known, because not all cases are reported or diagnosed.
Origin Of World Vitiligo Day: 25th June
The first World Vitiligo Day, or Purple Fun Day, as it was then known, was organised in Lagos, Nigeria in 2011 by the efforts of Ogo Maduewesi, founder of Vitiligo Support and Awareness Foundation (VITSAF, Nigeria), along with their supporters worldwide, to highlight the difficulties and raise awareness about this under-recognized illness and its effects on vitiligo sufferers.
This campaign was further expanded and globalized with the effort of Yan Valle, CEO of the “Vitiligo Research Foundation (VRF)” and “VITSAF” and picked June 25 to mark the demise of “King of Pop” Michael Jackson (who was also diagnosed with vitiligo), to create a day to raise awareness of the condition.
To Sum up
While vitiligo Vulgaris continues to be the most prevalent form, it appears to afflict both sexes and all age groups regardless of varying geo-environmental, living conditions, lifestyles, or ethnicities.
Living with vitiligo can be difficult, and those suffering from the condition may feel embarrassed, unhappy, ashamed, or upset over their changing appearance. To cope with the condition and alleviate depression, they require the support of family, friends, and society.
Support and Help
Support groups can offer assistance and guidance and connect you with others who have vitiligo and undergoing some sort of treatment. One may also reach out to:
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