Two-thirds of people with vitiligo on the skin suffer from mental health problems

Two-thirds of people with vitiligo say the skin condition affects their mental health, a new survey shows.

A survey of more than 700 people by the Vitiligo Association found that people with vitiligo feel unsafe and uncomfortable, a condition that can reduce skin pigmentation.

Eight in 10 people said vitiligo had had a negative impact on their appearance, and two-thirds said they wanted better access to GPs and dermatologists.

Vitiligo is a disease in which pale white patches appear on the skin, caused by a lack of melanin.

It can affect any part of the body, but commonly occurs on the face, neck, and hands, as well as in skin wrinkles.

Gurdeep Romanay, 48, from Berkshire, who was diagnosed with vitiligo at the age of 10, said: “When I go out in public, strangers on the street ask me: ‘What’s wrong with your skin?’

“I’ve gone through what I call mottling and now I’m completely gray.

“I faced different challenges, people didn’t realize I was Indian and I felt like I had lost my identity.”

The incurable disease also affects people’s social and dating lives, with 46% of respondents saying they felt unattractive and isolated.

Natalie Ambersley said she had not dated as a teenager, adding: “I wasn’t enjoying potential dates and all I could think about was: ‘How am I going to do this? Possibly hiding this condition for a long time?'”

Shankar Jaolota chose to wear makeup, but said he was “very uncomfortable” with it “because I didn’t know anyone else who wore makeup.”

Abbie Hurrell, director of the Vitiligo Society, said: “A diagnosis of vitiligo should be the start of a journey full of information and answers to help people come to terms with the mental and physical impact of the disease, but sadly this Often not the most important.” case.

“Too many people feel ignored and confused after speaking to their GP for the first time.

“GPs and medical professionals need to understand better and provide more support at the time of diagnosis so that we can start to address the impact on people’s mental health.

“Public behavior also needs to change, as many people with vitiligo face stares when they go out. We need to increase awareness and understanding of the condition so that people with vitiligo can live the lives they want.”