Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of skin, hair and mucous membranes to lose their natural color. It affects people of all races, genders and ages, but it is more noticeable in people with darker skin tones. The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, but it may be related to genetics, autoimmune disorders, stress, skin damage or chemical exposure. Vitiligo is not contagious, painful or life-threatening, but it can have a significant impact on one’s self-esteem, social interactions and mental health.
If you have vitiligo, you may feel embarrassed, ashamed or isolated by your appearance. You may try to hide your depigmented areas with makeup, clothing or accessories. It is advisable to avoid going out in public or meeting new people. You might feel depressed, anxious or hopeless about your condition.
But you don’t have to live in fear or hide from the world. You can overcome vitiligo fears and stop hiding by embracing your unique beauty. In this article, we will share some tips and advice on how to overcome vitiligo fears and stop hiding such that you live your life fully and confidently.
Types of Vitiligo
There are two main types of vitiligo: generalized and segmental. Generalized vitiligo is the most common type, affecting about 90% of people with vitiligo. It causes symmetrical patches of depigmentation on both sides of the body, usually starting from the hands, feet, face and other areas exposed to sun or friction. Generalized vitiligo can spread slowly or rapidly over time, affecting any part of the body.
Segmental vitiligo is less common, affecting about 10% of people with vitiligo. It causes asymmetrical patches of depigmentation on one side of the body, usually following a nerve distribution pattern. Segmental vitiligo tends to start at an early age and progress quickly for a few years, then stabilize and remain unchanged.
Some examples of how each type of vitiligo can affect different parts of the body are:
- Generalized vitiligo can cause white patches on the eyelids, lips, ears, nose, cheeks, chin, forehead and scalp.
- Segmental vitiligo can cause white patches on the neck, shoulder, arm, chest, abdomen, leg or foot.
- Both types of vitiligo can cause white patches on the fingers, toes, nails, genitals and anus.
Treatment Options for Vitiligo
There is no cure for vitiligo, but there are some treatment options that can help improve the appearance and confidence of some people with vitiligo. However, treatment is not necessary or mandatory. You can choose to treat or not treat your vitiligo depending on your personal preference and situation. Some of the available treatment options for vitiligo are:
Topical creams:
These are prescription medications that are applied to the depigmented areas to stimulate pigment production or reduce inflammation. Some examples are corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors and vitamin D analogs. Topical creams can be effective for small areas of vitiligo, but they may take several months to show results and they may cause side effects such as skin thinning, irritation or infection.
Light therapy:
This involves exposing the depigmented areas to artificial or natural light sources that emit ultraviolet (UV) rays. The UV rays can stimulate pigment production in the skin cells and restore some color to the white patches. Some examples are narrowband UVB therapy (NBUVB), excimer laser therapy and psoralen plus UVA therapy (PUVA). Light therapy can be effective for large areas of vitiligo, but it may take several sessions to show results and it may cause side effects such as sunburns, blisters or skin cancer.
Surgery:
This involves transplanting healthy skin cells from one part of the body to another part that has lost pigment. The transplanted skin cells can grow and produce pigment in the new location. Some examples are skin grafts, blister grafts and cellular grafts. Surgery can be effective for stable areas of vitiligo that do not respond to other treatments, but it may cause side effects such as scarring, infection or rejection.
Depigmentation:
This involves removing the remaining pigment from the normal skin areas to match the white patches. This can be done by applying a strong bleaching agent such as monobenzone cream to the normal skin areas until they become white. Depigmentation can be effective for people who have more than 50% of their body affected by vitiligo and who do not want to undergo other treatments, but it is irreversible and it may cause side effects such as sensitivity to sunlight or psychological distress.
Coping Strategies for Vitiligo
Besides seeking medical treatment for vitiligo if desired, there are some practical and emotional coping strategies that can help you deal with vitiligo and improve your quality of life. Some of these strategies are:
Cosmetics, clothing and accessories
Using cosmetics, clothing and accessories to camouflage or enhance the depigmented areas. You can use makeup products such as foundation, concealer, powder or eyeliner to blend in the white patches with your natural skin tone. You can also use clothing items such as hats, scarves, gloves or sunglasses to cover up the depigmented areas or draw attention away from them. Use accessories such as jewelry, tattoos or piercings to accentuate your unique features and express your personality.
Professional help
Seeking professional help from dermatologists, psychologists or counselors if needed. You can consult with a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for your vitiligo. Talk to a psychologist or counselor to get emotional support and guidance on how to cope with vitiligo and its impact on your self-esteem, social interactions and mental health. You can also learn some relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation or yoga to reduce stress and anxiety related to vitiligo.
Support groups or online communities
Joining support groups or online communities to connect with others who have vitiligo. You can find and join local or online groups of people who have vitiligo and share your experiences, feelings and tips with them. Participate in events or activities organized by these groups to raise awareness and advocacy for vitiligo. You can also follow some blogs, podcasts or social media accounts of people who have vitiligo and get inspired by their stories, advice and achievements.
Education
Educating oneself and others about vitiligo to raise awareness and reduce stigma. You can read books, articles or websites that provide accurate and updated information about vitiligo and its causes, types, treatments and coping strategies. You can also educate your family, friends, colleagues or strangers about vitiligo and correct any myths or misconceptions they may have about it. Challenge any discrimination or harassment you may face because of your vitiligo and stand up for your rights and dignity.
Celebrating uniqueness
Celebrating one’s uniqueness and beauty regardless of skin color. You can recognize and appreciate your strengths, talents, skills and values that make you who you are beyond your appearance. Also celebrate your diversity and beauty that make you stand out from the crowd. You can also embrace your vitiligo as a part of your identity and a source of pride and empowerment.
Conclusion
Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of skin, hair and mucous membranes to lose their natural color. It is not a disease or a defect, but a variation of human skin. It does not affect your health or abilities, but it may affect your emotions and relationships.
You can overcome vitiligo fears and stop hiding from the world by seeking medical treatment if desired, using cosmetics, clothing and accessories to camouflage or enhance the depigmented areas, seeking professional help if needed, joining support groups or online communities, educating oneself and others about vitiligo, and celebrating one’s uniqueness and beauty regardless of skin color.
You are not alone in this journey. There are millions of people around the world who have vitiligo and who understand what you are going through. There are also many resources and opportunities available to help you cope with vitiligo and live your life fully and confidently.
We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please feel free to share them in the section below. We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading this article from beauty bloom box, where we provide educational content about beauty topics such as skin care, perfume picks, face masks, hair styling, make-up and more. We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new today.
