ABOUT VITILIGO
What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a skin condition, in which a person will develop white patches on parts of their body. In darker skinned races, it is easier to see. It affects all genders, races, and ages. It is NOT contagious, and it can take a toll of one's self confidence and their mental state. Vitiligo is a long-term condition, and there is currently no proven cure, but many companies are working on drugs. Vitiligo could be hereditary or spontaneous.
​
Vitiligo makes us strong. It makes us special. It does not define us.
How does vitiligo develop?
It is not exactly known what causes vitiligo. One theory is that your body's own immune system attacks the melanin producing cells, resulting in a loss of pigment in some areas of the skin, hair, and eyes. Vitiligo is usually symmetrical (if it is on one knee, it is usually on the other). There are not too many treatments available, and there is limited research because vitiligo is not life threatening.
​
​
What are the treatment options?
There are not many treatments at this time, but I have tried many possible ones. There is Western medicine, which includes creams and certain laser (light) treatment. There is also Ayurvedic medicine, which can include herbal pastes that you spread over affected areas. All of these have proven to help in treating vitiligo, but are not guaranteed to remove white patches.
​
Currently, I am living with my vitiligo without pursuing any treatment. This was a personal choice I made four years ago.
