VITILIGO–A LONG TERM NON-FATAL SKIN CONDITION
(WORLD VITILIGO DAY…..25th June)- Dr.Sunil Chopra
Vitiligo or Leucoderma (PHULBEHRI in Hindi) is a non-fatal long term skin disease that can psychologically devastate the patient by producing inferiority complex and causing a considerable burden on his /her daily life.At times It may make weak minds sad ,gloomy and stigmatised for cosmetic reasons ,but the strong ones still live their lives fully with this condition .
The white patches here and there having usually sharp margins make one look really hideous.There occurs a loss of colour in the skin creating a variety of patterns on the skin due to HYPOPIGMENTATION.
It is characterised by the loss of special skin cells called Melanocytes which make Melanin,this in turn makes the affected area white .Melanin is a natural skin pigment.Although exact cause of Vitiligo is unknown but lately it has been clearly classified as an autoimmune disease,associated with environmental and genetic factors . Trauma and sunburn can precipitate the appearance of Vitiligo.
The name VITILIGO was first used by the Roman Physician A.C.Celsus in his treatise ‘DE MEDICINA’ .The word is derived from ‘VITIUM’ which stands for ‘defect or blemish.’ Leucoderma and Vitiligo are synonymous to each other. ‘Leuco’ stands for ‘White’ and ‘ Derma’ for ‘skin’. In Ayurveda it is called as ‘Shwitra or Shwet – kushtha’.Though,AYUSH has enormous claims on effective treatment for it,but there is no absolute cure for this condition .
For treatment the patient must be strongly motivated as therapy may be long,costly ,tedious and unfruitful.The doctors of modern system of medicine treat the patients after doing tissue biopsy and blood tests with local and oral Steroids,use Sunscreens,makeups,PUVA therapy (photochemotherapy),etc.PUVA is a combination treatment consisting of PSORALENS and later exposing the skin to UVA(long wave ultraviolet radiation) .
The ‘WORLD VITILIGO DAY ‘ held on 25th June, aims at building global awareness regarding the disease and allaying all fears related to it.The condition occurs in only 1 % of the total population the world over.
There exists a ‘VITILIGO SOCIETY’ in the UK…a charity which supports,inspires and educates about Vitiligo .
VSI is a voluntary support group in our country for Vitiligo patients. SHWETA ASSOCIATION is another leading Vitiligo support group in India which gives due weightage to emotional,psychological,social and daily needs of Vitiligo sufferers.It takes a holistic approach to all their problems.
Dr.Sunil Chopra,Ludhiana-India. 9815574644 drchopra0161@gmail.com
Dr Sunil Chopra is an alumnus of SCD Govt. College, Ludhiana
11 comments
Vitiligo
Very well explained by Dr.Sunil Chopra as this condition causes a high level of depression and social anxiety have been reported in patients with vitiligo. Patients mostly experience low self-esteem, social stigmatization, shame, avoidance of intimacy, adjustment disorder, fear, and in some cases as suicidal thoughts.
Multiple people in India claim remedies for this disease without any clinical data. Early detection and consultation with a skin specialist is a good start. One must avoid Neem Hakeems for the treatment and waste their money and time. There is a role of vitamin B12 and vitamin D is also mentioned in the medical as added therapy. Patients must consult a good specialist before taking any medication.
Dr.Sharma
You have very rightly suggested in your comments that the patients of Vitiligo must not visit quacks.
Really a stubborn skin disease which causes s lot of complex and depression.
Dr. Sunil chopra has very well explained the disease & psychological negativity associated with it alongwith possible treatment. It being non-fatal & non-transferable gives a big relief to all afflicted with it & those related to such persons.
Thank you Arora ji for commenting on my blog on Vitiligo.
The solace is that this disorder is absolutely non-fatal but it definitely makes one ugly and consequently gives birth to depression.
Dr. Chopra has lucidly described this ailment and the adverse affects that it has on the patient’s psyche. It seems that except for the external appearance, this ailment has no affect on the physical well being of the individual. It also seems that there is no concrete cute for the same. Under these circumstances, the emphasis of the physicians and the society should be on acceptance rather than to encourage futile treatment. Since it only affects the skin, that too for appearance purposes, the shying away, avoiding or discriminating against such patients is akin to acts of racism. After all humans come in all colours and hues!
Dear Desor ji
You have very rightly asserted that neither the patient nor his/her acquaintances should take it to heart.
Very rightly said non fatal. Non spreadable through contact
Mostly no treatment till date however claims are there in every pathy
Only mental stress and inferiority complex in females
Thank dr sunil providing. Valuable information
Dr. Sunil Chopra has explained Vitiligo disease and it’s avoidable consequences like social stigma, depression etc very well.
Sometimes it runs in family like some other autoimmune disorders
An informative article,Dr. Chopra. Many patients are frightened at the prospects, but awareness such as article like yours removes the doubts and clears the myths.
The write-up provides additional and beneficial knowledge to a layman as well as to such like effected patients.