Bursting the Myths about Vitiligo | Dr. Nivedita Dadu

Vitiligo is a condition that affects almost 2% of the world's population. The melanocyte or the color producing cell of the body undergoes cell death In this condition, the cells resulting in whitish discolouration of the skin. Vitiligo brings with it considerable social stigmatization and discrimination, along with lower self esteem and negative emotions at times. Any physician addressing this condition should keep this in mind and be sensitive towards this issue with their patients.

Types of Vitiligo

1. Vitiligo Universalis: It is the most uncommon and extreme form of vitiligo. It leads to complete or nearly complete depigmentation of the entire body surface.

2. Vitiligo Generalized: It is the most common form which involves loss of pigment in patches of skin all over the body. It typically occurs on the neck, face, scalp, and around body openings such as mouth and genitals.

3. Vitiligo Segmental: It can be distinguished from vitiligo generalized by its unique lateral distribution and rapid stabilization. It ranges in size from millimeters to centimeters. Segmental vitiligo typically involves a single segment on only one side of the body.

Treatment options for vitiligo

With the advancement in cosmetic dermatology, many new skin treatment options are available these days to effectively manage the condition. These treatments are customized according to the patient's needs and the doctor’s observation.Dadu Medical Centre provides the Best Vitiligo Treatment In Delhi.

1. NBUVB: It is also known as Narrowband UVB. This treatment helps in treating skin problems like vitiligo.

2. PUVA Light Therapy: It has emerged as a great technique to stimulate melanocytes to produce melanin in the areas affected by vitiligo.

3. Melanocyte Transfer & Split-thickness Skin Grafting: It aims to replace the depigmented skin with the pigmented skin to restore the original color of the body.

There are various myths associated with Vitiligo

Myth 1: Vitiligo is not treatable

Vitiligo is a skin condition just like any other skin problem. It is an autoimmune disease which can be treated medically, although the sad part is many of the people in our country who suffer from this condition aren't even aware that it is possible to get rid of these patches on the skin. So, break free of the discomfort and get it treated!

Myth 2: Vitiligo is contagious and can spread through a touch

Unaware people treat individuals with Vitiligo as untouchable which can cause depression and segregation of vitiligo patients. Vitiligo is not contagious, and it cannot spread through contact. It cannot be transmitted through touch, saliva, blood, inhalation, sexual intercourse or the sharing of personal items.

Myth 3: Vitiligo affects mental and physical abilities of the person

Vitiligo is not associated with the degree of one’s intelligence. It does not influence brain functions, though the insecurity and misinformation generated in people related to vitiligo cause discrimination towards people suffering from vitiligo. Also, the effects of vitiligo are restricted exclusively to the skin and do not infect other body organs. The health of a person suffering from vitiligo will depend on diet and exercise as it is for every one of us.

Myth 4: Vitiligo patients should avoid going in the sunlight

If vitiligo sufferers are less likely to get skin cancer, it is probably less crucial for them to protect themselves from the sun. But there are also three additional reasons why it might be wise to ignore this advice. One is that many people with vitiligo – especially those who are also using either a topical or oral treatment – experience re-pigmentation when exposed to UV light so avoiding it can be counterproductive. The second is that lack of sun exposure can lead to vitamin D deficiency, something that many people with vitiligo already suffer from. And the third is that wearing sun block can actually make vitiligo worse due to the chemical ingredients in many of these formulations.

Myth 5: Vitiligo is caused if milk is consumed immediately after eating fish

Vitiligo is an auto-immune disease which has no direct relation to food. Therefore, avoiding certain foods will have no impact on the progression of the condition. An expert dermatologist should be consulted in order to understand the medication and diet.

Myth 6: Citrus fruits can worsen vitiligo

Vitiligo is a disease in which our body’s immune system kills the pigmentation in the area of our skin. Therefore, there is no connection between citrus fruits and vitiligo.

Dr. Nivedita Dadu is one of the renowned dermatologists. She has an experience of more than 12 years in the field of dermatology. She has treated vitiligo patients with satisfactory results. If one is looking for the treatment of vitiligo in Delhi, they can consult with her, she is the Best Skin Specialist In Delhi.