Fostering Empathy, Mental Health Support For Employees With Vitiligo
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy pigment-producing skin cells (melanocytes), leading to discoloured or pale patches on the face, hands, arms, legs, abdomen and other areas of the body. It can also affect the hair. There is a need to increase awareness and spur discussion on the myths and associated social non-acceptance surrounding vitiligo.
India has the dubious distinction of having the highest prevalence of vitiligo in the world, estimated at 8.8 per cent (as against the global prevalence of 1 per cent-2 per cent). Every year, over 1 lakh cases of vitiligo are reported in India, and though the condition can occur at any age, it is more common before the age of 30.
Unfortunately, limited awareness and knowledge about vitiligo have led to misunderstandings about the condition, which in turn can lead affected individuals to experience social non-inclusion. This increases stress and can lead to lowered self-esteem and feelings of isolation.
The constant feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment cause the affected to experience lowered self-confidence and they may struggle with social interactions. Some studies suggest that individuals with vitiligo may be at a slightly higher risk of well-being compromise as compared to the general population. While vitiligo does not cause any obvious physical damage, the fact that it is visible can have a profound impact on a person's overall quality of life.
Being accepting of people with vitiligo is the first step towards showing support. Promoting awareness, imparting education, and normalizing conversations on vitiligo within the society is vital to creating a more inclusive and compassionate environment for those affected.
Busting Myths:
One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that vitiligo is contagious or infectious. It is neither. It does not spread through an affected patient’s touch, by sharing food or any personal use items. Sexual contact or blood transfusion do NOT lead to its spread.
All white patches are not caused by vitiligo. Patches of discoloration can also be caused by nevus (a benign growth of melanocyte clusters), post-burns, leprosy, tinea versicolor (fungal infection) and other factors. Its diagnosis is based on the typical distribution pattern of the skin lesions, which are hypopigmented, non-scaly, chalky white macules with distinct margins.
A combination of genetic factors, family history, environmental influences, neurogenic basis, auto-immunity and oxidative stress, make vitiligo treatment difficult. The condition may be progressive, and the main aim of management is to reduce spread.
Depending upon the extent of body involvement, topical or systemic treatment consisting of steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, immunosuppressive therapies and phototherapy may be considered. Surgical procedures are usually reserved for stable cases that do not respond to oral or topical treatments.
General measures to be followed include avoidance of trauma and sun-protection. Using sunscreen with SPF higher than 15 is recommended, as is the use of a non-acidic soap for bathing. The skin should be kept clean and always moisturised. A balanced diet rich in vitamins C, B12, B6, and minerals like zinc and calcium can help.
Vitiligo remains as much a social problem as it is physical. Addressing the well-being challenges of the affected needs to start with increased societal awareness and acceptance of the condition.
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