Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a long-term condition that causes patches of skin to lose their pigment and become white. It is an autoimmune condition — the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the melanocytes. It is not contagious, not caused by eating wrong foods, not a curse, not "bad blood". Social stigma in India causes more harm than the condition itself.

What it looks like

• Flat white patches with clear edges — on hands, face, around mouth/eyes, elbows, knees, feet, genitals.
• May be a single patch, scattered patches, or widespread.
• Hair growing in the patch may turn white.
• Often starts in teens or young adults; can begin at any age.

What it is NOT

• Not leprosy — a common Indian confusion. Leprosy patches have loss of sensation and nerve changes; vitiligo patches feel normal. A dermatologist can tell them apart quickly.
• Not caused by mixing milk and fish or other dietary myths.
• Not contagious — you cannot catch it by touch, sharing food, or marriage.
• Not a sign of poor hygiene, weak character, or past-life wrongs.

Associations

• Linked with other autoimmune conditions — thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, pernicious anaemia, alopecia areata. A dermatologist may check thyroid and vitamin B12.
• Family history in 20–30% of people.

Treatment — helpful, though not curative

• Topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus) — repigment early patches, especially on face.
• Phototherapy (narrowband UVB) — effective; available at major dermatology departments.
• Excimer laser for limited patches.
• Surgical options (melanocyte transplant, punch grafting) for stable disease.
• Newer JAK inhibitor creams — proven to repigment and now available in India.
• Sun protection on white patches — they burn easily.
• Cosmetic camouflage (colour-matched cover-ups) while treatment is ongoing.
• Counselling and peer support for the emotional impact — often the biggest issue.

Avoid

• Unregulated "vitiligo oils" and bavachi (psoralen) preparations — unsupervised use can cause severe burns and blistering.
• Promised "complete cures" by unqualified practitioners — no such cure exists.
• Discontinuing modern treatment mid-course in favour of unproven remedies.