What you should know about VITILIGO
Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition where parts of your skin lose their color (pigment) thereby leaving behind white or pale patches that stand out...
HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?
Your skin has tiny cells called melanocytes which produces a pigment called melanin that acts like natural “paint-brushes,” giving your skin, eyes and hair its color.
THE MORE YOUR MELANIN, THE DARKER YOUR SKIN OR HAIR APPEARS
In vitiligo, the body’s immune system which is supposed to fight and defend your body against harmful substances like bacteria, viruses and even your own body's faulty cells gets confused and mistakenly attacks these melanin pigment cells, as if they were harmful.
Once these melanin cells are attacked and destroyed, those parts of the skin can no longer produce color, so they turn white or pale.
COMMON PLACES IT APPEARS
✅Hands and fingers
✅Around the eyes, mouth, or nose
✅Chest and abdomen
✅Genitals
✅Feet, elbows, knees and neck
HOW EASILY CAN IT BE GOTTEN?
✅Autoimmunity – The biggest theory: your immune system attacks your melanocytes.
✅Genetics – If a close family member has vitiligo or another autoimmune condition (like thyroid disease), your chances increases
✅Sunburn or skin injury— new patches can form where the skin was previously injured.
IS IT THAT HARMFUL?
It's not usually physically harmful but can be emotionally harmful
Many people with vitiligo struggle with:
✅Low self-esteem
✅Depression or anxiety
✅Social stigma or bullying
✅Feeling “different” or rejected
POSSIBLE TREATMENT
There is no guaranteed cure, but several treatments can help restore color or slow the spread:
✅Light therapy (narrowband UVB): One of the most effective ways to stimulate melanin production.
✅Camouflage makeup or skin dyes: Helps with appearance for special occasions or confidence.
✅Supportive counseling: Often overlooked, but crucial for mental well-being.