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.