Living with vitiligo can be difficult and stressful. However, there are ways to improve quality of life with vitiligo.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes the skin to lose its color. It can affect any area of the skin, although it tends to appear on the face, neck, and scalp, as well as around the mouth and genitals. It’s not contagious, but it can be embarrassing and hard to live with1.
You may feel self-conscious about your skin, especially if it’s noticeable or affects areas of your body that are visible. But there are things you can do to help yourself feel better and cope with vitiligo.
Ways to cope with vitiligo2
1. Be gentle with your skin. Use mild soaps and avoid harsh chemicals, such as chlorine in pools.
2. Cover up if necessary. If you feel self-conscious about your vitiligo, covering it up with clothing or makeup that matches your skin tone can help reduce attention being drawn to it.
3. Take care of your general health. Vitiligo can be stressful and affect other parts of your body besides just your skin or hair color; this includes things like digestion and sleep quality.
4. Join a support group. People with vitiligo can share their experiences and offer advice for dealing with it.
5. Seek professional help. A therapist can help you cope with the emotional aspects of vitiligo.
6. Consult a doctor. Your doctor can help you figure out if there are any treatments that will help, including some that may help slow down the progression of vitiligo.
Vitiligo has been treated since ancient times and there are many natural remedies that can help with the symptoms of vitiligo, including topical creams and herbal treatments. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment option for your condition.
Sources:
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Vitiligo: Medlineplus genetics. MedlinePlus. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/vitiligo/#inheritance
Frequently asked questions about vitiligo (FAQ). Vitiligo Support International. (2019, June 29). Retrieved from https://vitiligosupport.org/frequently-asked-questions-about-vitiligo-faq/
