EMOTIONAL, SOCIAL AND RELATIONSHIP ISSUES Part II

How do I explain vitiligo to people? Should I even bother?We suggest that you be honest and open, and explain to people that vitiligo is a genetic condition, in which the body's immune system sees pigment cells as foreign bodies, and attacks them. Explain that it is a rather common condition, that it does not hurt or itch, and that it is not contagious. Finally, explain to them that treatment technology for the condition is improving, and that genetic advances may one day solve the condition. No matter who they are, everyone can identify with genetic ailments, such as cancer, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and other conditions. When they realize that this is a condition just like every other miserable condition humans inherit, they are less likely to be afraid of it. I have a child with vitiligo. What should I do? Children usually cope best with vitiligo when their parent(s) is/are prepared to talk about the condition as openly and truthfully as possible. To pretend you haven't noticed something so obvious may make it difficult for your child to talk to you about it. Because this is often so difficult for parents to cope with, especially as relates to other children, it is important to talk with teachers, and counselors, and to be conscious if your child is being teased or bullied. Support your child, and encourage them to get involve with activities and hobbies. Teach them that it is OK to be different, and that it doesn't make them any less important. A wonderful book for children to read, is Lori Mitchell's "Different Just Like Me" which teaches children that there are many different people in the world, and that they really are very much alike, despite their obvious differences.I am afraid I might lose my job because of my vitiligo. What should I do? Under various laws, most Americans (and people in many other countries) are protected from discrimination in their work or from being fired based on medical conditions or illness. If you feel that you have been discriminated against because of your vitiligo, then you should consult an attorney specializing in labor and employment law.I'm afraid my spouse or significant other won't be attracted to me because of my vitiligo. What should I do? Relationship issues are without question one of the most important social problems that come up with vitiligo. People with vitiligo are frequently concerned that they will no longer be attractive to their significant others, partners or spouses. What we find to be the case most often, is that the partners of people with vitiligo are often times not terribly concerned about the vitiligo, and often say that it does not bother them. More often, we find that any relationship problems that arise are often created by the vitiligo-affected partner. So learn to communicate with your partner or spouse, express your concerns and fears, and LISTEN. Another possibility is to make yourself attractive in other ways. Pay attention to your hair, work out, have your teeth fixed. Skin does not always have to be the focal point. Counseling with a licensed therapist concerning your relationship issues (either alone or with your partner or spouse) can also be invaluable here.I feel self-conscious and uncomfortable at places like the beach or swimming pools. What can I do? Don't avoid the beach or swimming pools just because of your vitiligo. Do not allow vitiligo to interfere with the joy of living. From a physical aspect, it may make sense to go swimming and to the beach in the later afternoons, when the sun is not as strong. If it makes you feel better, wear stain or waterproof makeup cover. And if people ask about the vitiligo, you should explain it to them just as indicated above.How do I find a good counselor or psychotherapist to help me with the emotional issues? Physicians and friends and family are all good sources for referral to a therapist. As with all professionals, personal referrals are often the most valuable. Second to that, you should try to find a therapist who has experience in counseling people with medical conditions or conditions which affect their appearance. These types of therapists may be able to explore with you ways to deal with vitiligo, both inwardly and socially, and can work with you to maintain your self-esteem and pride.

EMOTIONAL, SOCIAL AND RELATIONSHIP ISSUES Part I

How do I deal with the emotional issues of vitiligo? The change in appearance caused by vitiligo can affect a person's emotional and psychological well-being and may create difficulty in professional and social situations. People with vitiligo can experience emotional stress, particularly if vitiligo develops on visible areas of the body, such as the face, hands, arms, feet, or on the genitals. Adolescents, who are often particularly concerned about their appearance, can be devastated by widespread vitiligo. Some people who have vitiligo feel embarrassed, ashamed, depressed, or worried about how others will react.Several strategies can help a person cope with vitiligo. First, it is important to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about vitiligo and takes the disorder seriously. The doctor should also be a good listener and be able to provide emotional support. Patients need to let their doctor know if they are feeling depressed because doctors and other mental health professionals can help people deal with depression. Patients should also learn as much as possible about the disorder and treatment choices so that they can participate in making important decisions about medical care.Talking with other people who have vitiligo can help a person cope. MelageninaPlus.com provides message boards and chat rooms for this very purpose, and most members here have found them an invaluable source of support. Physicians, family and friends are another important source of support.As discussed above, many people with vitiligo have found that cosmetics that cover the white patches improve their appearance and help them feel better about themselves. A person may need to experiment with several brands of concealing cosmetics before finding the product that works best.Finally, counseling with a licensed therapist can help you examine your fears, improve your self esteem, and find ways to deal with the emotional and social issues that everyone with vitiligo faces. This type of counseling is covered by many health insurance plans.People stare at my spots. I am embarrassed by my vitiligo. Is there anything I can do? First, understand that to most people, vitiligo is unusual, and perhaps a bit unsettling. Do not be afraid to tell people what it is, especially children. Kids are pretty smart these days, and everyone can understand if you explain that vitiligo is a condition in which the immune system sees the pigment cells as foreign bodies, and attacks them (our best explanation). Explain that it does not hurt, and that it is a genetic condition, and is not contagious.Finally, try to maintain a normal lifestyle. If you enjoy hiking or sports, or swimming, then you should continue to engage in these activities (remembering sunscreen where appropriate). Don't avoid social situations and parties - these are good for your psychological well-being. In the old days, many people thought vitiligo was the result of burns or chemical spills. But people are becoming more aware about vitiligo, and it seems that almost everyone knows someone with the condition.

What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo (also called "leukoderma") is a common skin disease in which there is loss of pigment from areas of the skin resulting in irregular white spots or patches. The skin has normal texture. Vitiligo may appear at any age. Although it is a progressive condition, many people experience years or decades without developing new spots.

Vitiligo is not contagious in any way. The precise cause of Vitiligo is not well-understood, though researchers are getting closer to knowing more. Many experts believe that vitiligo is the result of one or a combination of genetic, immunologic, biochemical and neurogenic factors. Susceptibility to vitiligo may be genetic. It is often, though not always, seen in families. It is thought by many experts that Vitiligo is an autoimmune related disorder, meaning a condition in which the body's immune system attacks on its own tissue or cells, in this case, the melanocytes (pigment cells which give the skin its color). This does not necessarily represent a weak or deficient immune system, but one which may be malfunctioning or misdirected. Other research has centered on vitamin deficiencies, and internal pathogens. Though the condition has no other known effects on the body, the psychological and social effects are well documented.
Vitiligo is more noticeable in darker skinned people because of the contrast, although when they tan, even lighter skinned people are affected. This condition affects about 1% to 2% of the world population. In some countries, the incidence is even higher. Worldwide, there are thought to be more than 100 million people with the condition. Vitiligo appears to be as old as the recorded history of man - it is mentioned in the Bible, and there are references to it in ancient Egyptian, Greek and Chinese writings.
Today, vitiligo is a treatable condition, though treatment can take two years or longer to regain pigment, though repigmentation may not be 100%. There is more research being conducted than ever before; in Europe, in Asia, and in the U.S., new technologies and research are changing physicians' approaches to the condition. The recent mapping of the human genome has paved the way for advanced genetic research into vitiligo, and other cell-based theories are also gaining attention.
Many experts believe that with genetic and biomedical technology improving as they are, that within the next few years, we will see a greater understanding of vitiligo, as well as faster and more reliable treatments for this, and other autoimmune conditions.

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