With so much information online and in the media, it can be hard to separate facts from fiction when it comes to vitiligo. The condition is still relatively uncommon, so many people don’t know much about it. As a result, several myths about vitiligo are commonly believed by those who don’t know any better. If you have vitiligo, you may worry that sharing personal details with friends or acquaintances could lead them to discover your condition. The good news is that vitiligo isn’t contagious like a cold or flu virus. There’s no risk of catching vitiligo from someone else and there is no scientific evidence that it might be transmitted genetically.
Myths About Vitiligo
- Myth 1 – The light skin gene theory: Some people think vitiligo is a sign of a light skin gene, but this is not the case. Vitiligo affects people of all skin types and isn’t caused by a gene that makes the skin lighter. Vitiligo does sometimes run in families, but it’s usually a coincidence. Research suggests that family members are more likely to have vitiligo because they have the same genes that make them susceptible to autoimmune disorders.
- Myth 2 – Vitiligo is contagious: Vitiligo is not contagious, but there are a few misconceptions that could lead someone to think that it is. The main one is that people with vitiligo don’t use sunscreen because they worry they’ll get sunburn. Vitiligo is not a sun-related condition and people with vitiligo can enjoy the sun to the same degree as anyone else. Exposing your skin to the sun won’t cause vitiligo and it isn’t something that should be avoided just because you have an autoimmune condition. Vitiligo sufferers can wear sunscreen and can wear short sleeves and short pants in the same way as anyone else.
- Myth 3 – A vitamin deficiency: Vitiligo is not caused by a vitamin deficiency and there is no specific nutrient that makes it worse. Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack its own melanin-producing cells mistakenly. There is no obvious reason this happens, but it’s not related to any dietary deficiency. Vitamin supplements do not cure vitiligo; there is no evidence that vitamin-rich diets can prevent it. Some people with vitiligo try to counteract their condition by taking dietary supplements, but there is no evidence that these supplements have any effect.
- Myth 4 – Exposure to the sun causes vitiligo: Exposure to the sun causes melatonin to be produced in the body. Melatonin is one of the body’s natural chemicals that can cause the skin to tan. Those who get a tan from the sun produce more melatonin than people who don’t tan at all. Vitiligo sufferers often avoid the sun because they fear triggering a reaction or getting a sunburn. Unfortunately, this isn’t a sensible precaution. Exposing your skin to the sun won’t cause vitiligo and, if you have vitiligo, it will not affect the condition. Vitiligo sufferers should use sunscreen just like anyone else and try to get some sun exposure. There is no evidence that the sun will trigger a reaction and it would be counterproductive to avoid it completely.
- Myth 5 – People with vitiligo can’t be in the sun: Vitiligo doesn’t cause any damaging effects to the skin and doesn’t make you more susceptible to sun damage. The melanin in your skin is what can burn if you’re exposed to sunlight, so vitiligo does not affect how much damage is done to the skin. Depending on the severity of your condition, you can enjoy the sun just like anyone else. The only precaution you should take is to use sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Vitiligo sufferers shouldn’t avoid the sun completely and can take the same precautions as anyone else. There is no evidence that the sun will trigger a reaction and it would be counterproductive to avoid sunlight completely.
- Myth 6 – Having vitiligo means you have poor mental health: There is no scientific evidence that people with vitiligo are more likely to suffer from mental health issues. People with vitiligo have the same rate of mental health issues as those without the condition. Vitiligo doesn’t cause mental illness but can make living with the condition much more challenging. Vitiligo sufferers should seek support and not feel like they have to deal with the condition alone. Vitiligo support groups are usually a good start if you feel overwhelmed.
- Myth 7 – Vitiligo treatments: The best treatment for Vitiligo in India aims to restore the skin’s natural pigmentation. All of the different treatments have side effects and may need to be discontinued if they cause an adverse reaction. The best treatment for vitiligo will depend on the severity of your condition. You should speak to your doctor about your options, and you can find more information about vitiligo treatments on the NHS website.
Conclusion
Vitiligo is a condition that affects around 3% of the population, although some people experience very minimal symptoms and others have more severe symptoms. No one knows what causes vitiligo, but many treatments can help people manage the condition. Vitiligo isn’t contagious, but it can be stressful to live with. It’s important to get support and learn as much as possible about the condition to manage it as best as possible.
