Vitiligo: You have to accept it before others do
by Dr Rajesh Shah, MD

Vitiligo is a disease of social concern. One of the major worries parents and parents (relatives) have about vitiligo is that about un-acceptance and discrimination by the society. This is true especially in the brown or dark skin societies, like that in India, Asia, Africa, Brazil, Mexico, etc.

Patients come and ask me about ways to hide their vitiligo spots, as they feel embarrassed with visible white spots. They ask me about camouflage (make-up). I am not against the use of camouflage for vitiligo. However, I always take up opportunity of conveying he message that when you apply camouflage, you are actually trying to hide and escape from the reality of having vitiligo. In other words, you are trying to tell the world that you do not have any vitiligo. This actually, means that you are not ready to accept your vitiligo.

Vitiligo patients tend to complain that society does not accept them due to vitiligo. I agree that it is a weakness on the part of the society, a sign of lesser-developed mindset; to discriminate any one the bases of some loss of skin color. However, my contention is that the vitiligo patients would have to first accept their vitiligo, before they expect others to accept their vitiligo.

When I say 'you accept your vitiligo'; I also mean that you learn to feel comfortable with your vitiligo. This will require an understanding that vitiligo is not a serious disease; it is just loss of color. You will have to be convinced of this fact, before you start others to believe in this reality.

I am fully aware that it is easier said than done. It is hard to implement this idea. But, it will be really worth it. This realization will eventually help you outgrow your vitiligo. As I always say, vitiligo will teach you many great lessons in life; lessons of self-discovery, acceptance, maturity and confidence.

Once you accept your vitiligo, others will do. Also, once you will accept your vitiligo, you will care least if or not others do.

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