The first World Vitiligo Day was celebrated in 2011, led by Ogo Maduewesi, founder and president of the Vitiligo Awareness and Support Foundation (VITSAF) in Lagos, Nigeria. Since then, the day has been observed annually as World Vitiligo Day.
Vitiligo is a condition in which there is loss of melanin in the skin. This leads to patchy discoloration on the skin. Due to the lack of melanin production in the body, the skin appears uneven rather than having an even tone and color.
“Vitiligo is a common skin condition with white or depigmented patches on the body. For centuries, vitiligo was considered a cosmetic problem! Patients were prescribed creams or light therapy to address the problem. But very little was done to address the challenges they were facing. “Vitiligo affects a person emotionally. Especially in a country like ours, if a girl has vitiligo, it affects the whole family. Fortunately, due to the awareness of the medical fraternity communities, it is no longer considered a ‘curse,'” says Dr. Yuti Nakhwa, Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetologist at Global Hospital Parel, Mumbai.
This skin condition affects a person mentally more than its physical involvement. Vitiligo is not a life-threatening condition, but the skin discoloration affects a person’s confidence.
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“Vitiligo patients have a high prevalence of psychological comorbidity. It has been observed that patients affected by vitiligo lesions are often at increased risk of suffering from social phobia, depression, low self-esteem, isolation or some degree of emotional devastation caused by the disease. It can be frustrating for a person to look unusual due to vitiligo and struggle with the mind on a daily basis.People with vitiligo may have to deal with poor body image and may try to hide depigmentation by wearing clothing or makeup to avoid unwanted attention This can add stress and affect self-esteem,” says Dr. Sahir Jamati, Consultant Psychologist and Psychotherapist at Masina Hospital Mumbai.
“Self-acceptance is the first step,” explains Dr. Nakhwa. “Stop hiding it from people. Once you accept it, everyone else will follow you,” adds the expert.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jamati emphasizes various counseling therapies. “Working with a mental health professional can help spot the early warning signs of depression and anxiety and prevent them from escalating. Counseling in individual or group settings, talking to really concerned friends or family, and seeking support can also help.” “. says Dr. Jamati.
Have a regular sleep pattern, keep a gratitude journal, join a vitiligo support group and get regular counseling to move toward better mental health, experts say.
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