Effects of vitiligo on patients and families

Dr Girish Tathed

Vitiligo is a chronic skin disease that causes patches of missing colour in the skin. It can occur on any part of the body, but most often it occurs on the face and scalp. While vitiligo is not life-threatening, it can be distressing for both patients and their families. Here is what you need to know about this condition:

The exact cause of vitiligo is an unknown but genetic predisposition, autoimmune triggers and oxidative stress have been implicated as possible etiological factors.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder of the skin. It occurs when your immune system attacks pigment-producing cells in the skin, causing them to become scarred and lose their ability to produce melanin.

The exact cause of vitiligo is an unknown but genetic predisposition, autoimmune triggers and oxidative stress have been implicated as possible etiological factors.

Vitiligo can be triggered by hereditary genes or environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure or certain medications like lithium salts used for bipolar disorder which may increase free radical production in your body. It can also occur spontaneously without any known cause other than genetics or other medical conditions such as thyroid disease or diabetes mellitus type 2 which are associated with oxidative stress due to elevated levels of glucose.

Vitiligo patients can feel depressed, angry, and alienated.

You might feel depressed, angry, and alienated, as well as a burden on your family.

You may not have a partner or be able to maintain relationships with partners in the future because of vitiligo (Yes! This mentality and discrimination still exist in some parts of our country)

Vitiligo patients experience considerable mental stress because they have to face stares from strangers when out in public, as well as having difficulty finding suitable clothes that match their skin colour or style of clothing (e.g., shoes). They also feel shy about spending time alone because others tend to avoid them due to their appearance; this can make it difficult for them to participate fully in social activities such as parties at work or school events where there might be other people present too (i.e., not just those who know how they look).

Vitiligo can also hurt the people who love you. Family members may feel helpless and guilty, which can lead to depression or anxiety. They may blame themselves for their loved one’s condition because they feel like they are not good enough to be in the relationship.

Family members might have to make changes in their home life if vitiligo affects a person’s appearance, such as wearing darker clothing or avoiding bright lights at night because of how visible it makes them look. Some people with vitiligo experience depression simply because there is nothing left visible on their skin anymore!

While some family members may be supportive and understanding, others may not be.

Family members who are regretful of the patient’s condition may feel that they have caused the vitiligo, or that it is their fault for being happy with themselves when someone else is suffering. This can lead to feelings of guilt toward your loved one, which can make it difficult for you both during this time in your life together.

If you do notice any signs of depression or anxiety among friends and family members, try talking with them about what they are going through so they can get professional help if needed—even if there is not anything obvious like suicidal thoughts involved at first glance (though those could also exist).

Vitiligo patients also may have difficulty finding partners.

For many vitiligo patients, the condition can be a barrier to finding a partner. Many feel insecure about their appearance and/or self-esteem issues, which may make it difficult for others to connect with them on an emotional level.

Vitiligo negatively affects not just the patient but their entire family

The disease has been found to affect not only those who have vitiligo but also their families and friends as well. Those who are affected by this illness may experience feelings of stress or embarrassment due to its visible nature. They may even feel anger towards their loved ones for getting sick because it could have been prevented with proper care.

However, there are ways for individuals with this condition to cope with these emotions so that they do not negatively impact relationships within their family unit (or outside it). Homoeopathic treatment has also proven to be the fastest way of treating Vitiligo. It is recommended to opt for the best vitiligo homeopathic treatment  as soon as possible.

There are various physical, emotional, and social factors believed to precipitate or trigger the onset of symptoms in genetically predisposed individuals. These include:

  • Genetic predisposition – Vitiligo occurs more commonly in individuals with a family history of vitiligo. The genes that cause this disease can be inherited from either parent or both parents.
  • Autoimmune triggers – Some experts believe that autoimmune triggers such as stress, illness or infection may play a role in triggering vitiligo in some patients. This is supported by studies that show that people who have experienced significant traumatic events are at higher risk for developing vitiligo later.
  • Oxidative stress – Oxidative stress has been shown to play an important role in the development of skin lesions such as those seen with vitiligo.

Try consulting a vitiligo specialist in Pune for further consultation and treatment procedures.

Vitiligo affects not only the patient but also his/her family members. A person with vitiligo must cope with social isolation and discrimination, which may lead to depression and anxiety disorders. The impact of vitiligo on the people who love them is both physical and emotional in nature.

Conclusion
Vitiligo can be quite depressing for the ones suffering from it as it leads to a feeling of immense isolation. Although it is not a short-term curable disease, there are ways to limit the spread, homoeopathic being the most effective and efficient method.

Dr Girish Tathed.
BHMS, MD
Website : https://drtathed.com/

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*