On the 25th of June every year, the world celebratesWorld Vitiligo Day To spread awareness regarding this disease and educate people regarding the cause and the different treatment methods available for it, so in this report, we learn how to deal with vitiligo and take care of the patient’s mental health, according to the “Times of India” website.
Vitiligo is a condition in which there is a loss of melanin in the skin. This leads to patchy discoloration of the skin. Due to the absence of melanin production in the body, the skin appears patchy rather than having a uniform colour.
Vitiligo is a common skin condition with white or hypopigmented patches on the body. Patients have been prescribed creams or light therapy to treat the problem but little is done to address the challenges they face.
This skin condition affects a person more psychologically than physically. Vitiligo is a non-life-threatening condition, but skin discoloration affects a person’s confidence.
Vitiligo patients have a high rate of comorbid psychopathy, and it has been observed that vitiligo patients are often more likely to suffer from social phobia, depression, low self-confidence and isolation.
People with vitiligo may have to deal with poor body image and may try to hide pigmentation with clothing or makeup to avoid unwanted attention.
This may add stress and affect self-esteem, said Dr. Sahir Jamati, a consultant psychologist and psychotherapist at Masina Hospital in Mumbai, India.
He explained that “self-acceptance is the first step and stop hiding vitiligo from people. Once you accept the disease, everyone around you accepts it.”
Working with a mental health professional can help spot early warning signs of depression and anxiety and prevent them from developing further. Counseling in individual settings or group settings, talking to really concerned friends or relatives and seeking support can help.
Follow a regular sleep pattern, keep a gratitude journal for the blessings in life, join a vitiligo support group, and seek regular counseling for better mental health, experts said.