When white is not fair and lovely

A skin condition, vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning. Across age groups, the skin disease can affect anyone at any point in time in life. World over, there is a one per cent prevalence rate with both sexes being equally affected by it. 

At the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, there are several patients who seek treatment for the condition, every day, says Dr M Mani Megalai, Professor of Dermatology here. She explains, “Though it is an autoimmune disorder—that is when your immune system mistakenly attacks some part of your own body--- it is also possible that one or more genes may make a person more likely to develop the disorder. It could be hereditary as well, but that doesn’t mean children of all with the condition inherit the disease. But if both parents have the condition, the risk is higher.” 

Some associated autoimmune diseases like thyroid can also be present in a few cases, says Dr Deepika Lunawat, consultant dermatologist, Fortis Malar Hospital. She adds, “There are other triggers as well, like drug intake, infections and trauma.”

She adds that though prevalence is equal in both sexes, for women, there are greater social consequences across the world.

But, as with every other disease, it has a lot to do with stress, observes Dr Maya Vedamurthy, a city-based, dermatologist. She says, “Some causes are environmental and given the presence of chemicals in foods that affect the melanocytes, we are seeing more cases of late. Across age groups, there is emotional stress and this is another reason for the high numbers now, when compared to earlier times.” 

The treatment for the condition depends on the category it falls under. In the case of stable vitiligo, where it persists in just one area, the treatment option of re-pigmentation and punch graft techniques are extremely effective, says Dr Mani Megalai. “If it is the unstable category, only general treatment is followed. Therefore, it is extremely necessary for us to spot the disease at the earliest,” she adds. 

But with little knowledge about the condition, many patients turn up for treatment. Dr Maya says, “They are first treated for some kind of fungal infections and then they try their luck with all kinds of treatment. When they come to the dermatologist, it would have already spread to the rest of the body.” 

Vitiligo may not be a life-threatening condition, but it is certainly a life-altering one. “Even today, many mistake it for leprosy and assume it is contagious. That’s why at Stanley Hospital, we hold awareness campaigns on World Vitiligo Day every year. There are counselling sessions conducted for those who have doubts about the prospects of marriage, “ she adds. 

Those with vitiligo are often referred to as people with white skin and a bruised soul, points out Dr Maya. “For a foreigner with a fairer skin, vitiligo may not stand out. But in the Indian context, it is a contrasting image that affects their social life. There is immense psychological effect and people with vitiligo tend to stay away from crowds and gatherings,” she says.

It is an autoimmune disorder causing melanocyte destruction (melanocytes give our skin and hair colour)