Let’s Discuss Facts On Vitiligo

Naresh was in his final year of college when he started to develop vitiligo patches on his forearms. He did his best to cover the patches from his friends by wearing long sleeved shirts but soon the patches spread to his hands. This put him at an odd spot with his friends as they were often reluctant to sit near him or shake hands. Naresh often felt lonely and dejected.

Naresh’s parents took him for vitiligo treatment and his doctor also helped by educating him on facts on this skin condition. Like Naresh, many young men and women suffer the stigma of the skin condition vitiligo. With more myths circulating than facts, many people find themselves subject to unnecessary social ostracization and pressure. Let’s talk about what vitiligo is and how the disease can be treated.

The White Patch Disease

Your body has a pigment called melanin which imparts colour to your skin. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes. When melanocytes die and are not immediately replaced by newer cells, this causes a loss of pigment to the skin and results in the white patches called vitiligo. These patches are more prominent and disturbing on darker skin tones. Vitiligo patches retain normal skin sensitivity to touch; they are neither numb nor additionally painful.

The patches are usually white or cream coloured and are irregular in shape. Commonly affected areas of the body include hands, forearms, armpits, knees, abdomen, and the feet. The face too can get affected with patches appearing around the mouth, on the nose and above the eyes. It is important to note that every white patch on the body is not a sign of vitiligo. White patches can also be birthmarks or a temporary fungal infection. Therefore, one must never self-diagnose but always seek the help of a doctor.

Main Vitiligo Causes

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder in which your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own skin cells. The exact cause of vitiligo is still under research though studies have revealed that it tends to run in families. Some myths propagate that stress, an unhealthy diet, and overexposure to sunlight can cause vitiligo. While these factors are not vitiligo causes, they can definitely worsen an existing susceptibility to the condition.

Breaking The Myths

Like most misunderstood diseases, vitiligo too is subject to many myths. One of the most common myths is that vitiligo is contagious. This is false as vitiligo does not spread through touch. So, you can go ahead and shake hands without fear of contracting an infection. Another myth states that vitiligo is brought on by the consumption of fish and milk. This too is false as vitiligo has no connection with your diet.

Many people confuse vitiligo with albinism, leukoderma, or leprosy. This goes to show that a lack of awareness not only harms you but also affects the victim of a disease. It is therefore, always important to get the facts straight. Even if you are unaffected, but a friend is, talk to a doctor, show your support, and never boycott the person as this can leave them mentally traumatized.

An Emotional Impact

We live in a society that heavily judges people based on their physical appearance. People who suffer vitiligo patches often face the trauma of social ostracization. Others are often reluctant to exchange handshakes, share a pen, or even sit next to them. This takes a heavy toll on self-esteem and people with vitiligo are often left feeling worthless. Many cases have been reported where people with vitiligo have been denied job opportunities or even admission to institutes of higher learning.

The worst victims are children who have vitiligo. Many of them feel lonely and left out at school as teachers and parents do not sensitise their classmates to the facts on this skin condition. This is a dangerous trend that begs improvement. The only solution is education. Even if you or your loved ones do not suffer this skin condition, it is very important that you become aware of it. Knowledge dispels fear and misunderstanding.

Vitiligo Treatment With Homeopathy

Most people are hesitant to seek vitiligo treatment as conventional methods of medication are time-consuming and painful. Possible side-effects include permanent scarring, sunburn, and painful blistering. Homeopathic treatment for vitiligo is safe and free from any side-effects. This is especially good for young children as they are the most common victims of this skin condition.

Homeopathic vitiligo treatment provides customised healing procedures based on each person’s medical history, progression of the vitiligo, and how active the vitiligo is. With its holistic approach homeopathic medicine helps target any underlying illnesses that have triggered the vitiligo including a weak immune system, stress, and lifestyle diseases. Homeopathy does not focus on instant cure but rather on permanent solutions. Don’t let vitiligo ruin your chances of a happy and healthy life. Approach a homeopathic doctor for the best solutions suited for you.