New Delhi, June 25 (IANS) Vitiligo, a condition causing white patches on the skin, can have a profound impact beyond physical appearance. Societal stigmas are increasing the risk of depression among the patients, said doctors on World Vitiligo Day on Tuesday.
World Vitiligo Day is observed every year on June 25 to raise awareness about vitiligo and related issues.
Vitiligo is a skin condition characterised by the loss of skin colour in patches. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin (the pigment that gives skin its colour), are destroyed or stop functioning.
The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it’s believed to involve the immune system attacking pigment cells. A combination of genetic, autoimmune, stress, and environmental factors such as sunburn are likely to contribute to the condition.
It manifests as white patches on the skin, anywhere on the body, sometimes including hair, eyes, and the inside of the mouth.
“Vitiligo can lead to social isolation and discrimination due to the visible changes in skin pigmentation. This negativity from society can significantly impact self-esteem and contribute to feelings of depression,” Dr Pankaj B Borade, Consultant Psychiatrist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, told IANS.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Dermatology, showed that 89 per cent of vitiligo patients in India report moderate to high depressive symptoms.
The high mental stress among patients was due to the prevalence of a negative perception of vitiligo, revealed the study.
Dr Pankaj said that this mental distress can disrupt daily life, affecting everything from social interactions to clothing choices.
“The study suggests social stigma might be particularly strong in India, potentially explaining the higher depression rates. The appearance of vitiligo patches can be stressful and affect a person’s body image. This can lead to anxiety, social withdrawal, and feelings of isolation, all of which are risk factors for depression.
“Beauty standards in India that place a high value on fair skin make vitiligo even more challenging for patients,” the doctor said.
Dr. Sunil Kumar Prabhu, Consultant – Dermatology, Aster RV Hospital, told IANS that there’s no cure for vitiligo, but management strategies and regular consultations with a dermatologist can significantly improve quality of life.
“Treatment focuses on restoring colour or creating a more even skin tone, with options ranging from topical creams and light therapy to surgical procedures in severe cases,” he said adding that sun protection, stress reduction, and avoiding skin injuries are key ways to prevent.
–IANS
rvt/dan
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
