It is hard to be different in a society that pushes you to try and fit in. Right from a young age, we are taught how to seem part of the crowd. It’s scary to be unique.

Vitiligo is a natural skin condition that can happen to people of any age, gender, or race. It’s a lifelong condition that has no cure yet. Usually, people aren’t even able to wrap their heads around this condition. People with vitiligo are subjected to nasty comments, rude stares, or insensitive questions. There are so many myths about vitiligo; these myths come from a place of apathy and ignorance.

Why does it happen?

Vitiligo is just one of the many skin conditions prevalent all over the world. People with vitiligo lose color from patches of their skin. Nobody has control over how far or quickly it can spread. The extent of it varies from person to person.

Melanin is the pigment responsible for generating the skin color we have. Melanocytes are the cells responsible for producing melanin. Vitiligo happens when melanocytes die or aren’t able to function. There’s no cure set in stone that may stop vitiligo from occurring.

People with vitiligo need to take extra care of their skin. The parts that don’t have pigmentation are more sensitive to sunlight.

What are some myths about vitiligo?

Sometimes people believe in things that are not scientific. This is just society’s way of dealing with a lack of knowledge about a subject. It is insensitive to conjure myths about the medical condition of a person. It further adds to the patient’s mental trauma. Let’s bust some of these myths today.

• Vitiligo isn’t caused by having mixed-race parents. Having mixed-race parents has nothing to do with having discolored skin.
• People of any skin tone can have vitiligo. No rule says only people with dark skin get vitiligo.
• Vitiligo doesn’t differentiate between age, race, or gender.
• Albinism, leprosy, and vitiligo are all different skin conditions. Vitiligo isn’t the cause or the consequence of any other skin condition.
• Drinking milk and eating something sour together can’t cause vitiligo. There are no studies to state that any combination of food might reduce or increase the chances of having vitiligo.
• Vitiligo doesn’t spread by touch. It’s not a contagious disease. It isn’t a disease at all, but a condition.

What not to say to a person with vitiligo

Anybody with vitiligo already understands how different they appear. There is no need to remind them that they don’t fit in. As a society, we must be inclusive and considerate.

1. Don’t ask them to try products to “fix” their skin. Chances are, they’ve already tried them all. People with vitiligo have to go through a lot of emotional distress. They become insecure about their body and skin. We need to understand that this condition is beyond their control.
2. If you spot any new patches, don’t mention them. People with vitiligo constantly battle with body dysmorphia. They struggle to adapt to the changes their body is undergoing. There is no need to add to their stress by pointing out new patches.
3. The worst comment or action might be the act of untouchability. Do not ask whether vitiligo is contagious. If you know a friend or a coworker with patchy skin, lend an ear to them. Listen to how they feel about it. If they don’t wish to talk about it, just treat them how you would treat anybody else.

These are just some of the things that you can avoid doing. However, the conversation shouldn’t stop here. Vitiligo has been ignored or hushed for too long. We must take this conversation forward. People with vitiligo need to feel accepted and valued. They should know that what they have isn’t a disease or a problem; it’s a very natural condition. There are so many famous people with vitiligo. Their representation in media, politics, and the world forum in general, helps people with vitiligo feel heard.

However, if there is anybody with vitiligo who is having a problem coping emotionally, they should turn to a counselor for help.