The Vitiligo Association says there is a need to improve understanding among GPs and increase the support offered to those diagnosed with vitiligo.
by Daniel Henry, reporter
Sunday 31 March 2024 00:37 UK
Two-thirds of people with vitiligo say their skin condition affects their mental health, according to a new study.
A study of more than 700 people by the Vitiligo Association found that the condition, which causes loss of pigmentation in the skin, made patients feel anxious and self-conscious.
Eight in 10 people said their vitiligo was having a negative impact on their appearance, and two-thirds said they wanted better access to GPs and dermatologists.
Vitiligo is a condition in which pale white spots appear on the skin and is caused by a lack of the pigment melanin.
It can affect any area of the body, but commonly occurs on the face, neck, hands, and skin wrinkles.
Gurdeep Romanay, 48, from Berkshire, was diagnosed with vitiligo at the age of 10 and said: “When I go out in public, complete strangers on the street ask me, “What’s wrong with your skin?” There were times when I was attacked,” he said.
“I went through patchiness and now I’m completely white.
“I have another challenge. People don’t realize I’m Indian and I feel like I’ve lost my identity.”
The incurable disease can also affect people’s social and dating lives, with 46% of those surveyed saying they felt unattractive and isolated.
Natalie Umbersley said she didn’t date as a teenager, saying: “Rather than enjoying the possibility of dating, all I thought about was ‘How can I hide this condition for as long as possible?’ ” he added.
Shankar Jaorota chose to wear makeup, but said he was “very self-conscious” about it because “I didn’t know any other men who wore makeup.”
Abby Harrell, director of the Vitiligo Association, said: “A diagnosis of vitiligo should be the start of a journey filled with information and answers to help people come to terms with the mental and physical effects of this condition, but it is an unfortunate In particular, that’s often not the case.” case.
“Too many people feel denied and confused after their first conversation with their doctor.
“To begin to address the impact on people’s mental health, we need better understanding among GPs and health professionals and increased support provided at the time of diagnosis.
“Public behavior also needs to change, as many people with vitiligo face stares when they go out in public. We need to increase awareness and understanding of vitiligo so people with vitiligo can live the lives they want. .”
