Despite how disruptive life with Vitiligo can be, you can take control of your experience and prosper with this condition. Consider these strategies:
Recognize your feelings
Vitiligo can make you feel embarrassed, which can be difficult. But rather than ignoring these feelings, it is better to own them, explains Brett King, MD, PHD, dermatologist at Yale Dermatology in Middlebury, Connecticut and Associate Professor of Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine.
“Too often, people with vitiligo hear things like:” it could be worse “, or” you might have cancer, “said Dr. King. Although they can mean well, people who make such declarations can reject your feelings. Rather than recovering, recognize your emotions.
Discover your condition
Understanding your potential symptoms and processing options can make you feel more in state control and overall health. “A basic understanding of what causes the change of skin color in vitiligo is an essential step towards self -confidence,” explains Jafferany.
With more knowledge, you can become your own defender, identify and dissipate myths on vitiligo – including those who could affect your mood and confidence – and inform you of treatment options.
You can also help educate others. If you notice that people look at you, for example, King recommends saying something like: “I see that you have noticed white spots on my skin. I have a affection called vitiligo, where the skin loses its color. This is what causes these white spots. But I’m fine.
Consult the Global Vitiligo Foundation, the Vitiligo Research Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology for Information.
Count on your support system
Although living with Vitiligo can feel insulating, you don’t have to experience it alone. A solid support system, which can include family members, friends and colleagues, plays an important role in mitigating the many psychological impacts of Vitiligo, according to Jafferany.
“Even if they do not personally have vitiligo, connect with others can remind you that you are a precious element of society,” he said.
Join support groups
Find support groups and other useful resources through the Vitiligo Research Foundation, Vitiligo International Support and Global Vitiligo Foundation.
Request professional help
If you feel overwhelming symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress, the Jafferany advises professional advice to acquire adaptation skills and treat your symptoms. You may want to specifically seek a psychododermatologist – a therapist who works with people who have skin diseases – or another therapist who has experience with people with chronic health problems.
Practice body positivity
Learning to appreciate your appearance can help you live shamelessly with Vitiligo. Start by being comfortable with yourself, advises Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine in California.
“This can be built on the fundamental belief that appearances are only skin, and your personality, your kindness, your intelligence or other attributes that you cherish much more than anything outside,” explains Dr. Dimitriu. This could also help realize that people who judge your color or your appearance may not be the people you want in your life.
Consider the treatment of vitiligo
Because Vitiligo is not deadly or contagious, you can decide to treat it.
- Topical inhibitors of steroids, ruxolitinib or calcineurine
- Luminotherapy
- DEPIGMENTATION Therapy
- Procedures such as melanocyte transplants, micro pigmentation and skin transplant
Another option is to use special makeup to camouflage white areas of the skin. Your dermatologist can give you more information about how to use it and where to buy it.
The Vitiligo Research Foundation has information on clinical trials looking for treatments for Vitiligo.
