A chronic autoimmune skin condition in which the body’s immune system mistakes melanocytes (cells which produce melanin, giving colour to your skin, hair and eyes) as enemies and attacks them. This leads to patches of depigmentation anywhere in your body. This condition is known as vitiligo.
People with stable vitiligo can also consider surgical options if other treatments are not working, and depigmentation therapy if a major part of the person’s natural pigmentation is lost. Research has shown that vitiligo is primarily a T-cell–mediated autoimmune disease where CD8+ cytotoxic T cells attack and destroy skin pigment cells called melanocytes, leading to white patches on the skin. Vitiligo is also often associated with other autoimmune conditions, especially autoimmune thyroid disease, so clinicians may screen for these in some patients. Treatment for vitiligo is mostly connected to re-pigmentation, or slowing progression, depending on the type of vitiligo and patient preference rather than a guaranteed cure. There are various types of topical treatments (like creams for external use) which can often help with inflammation, as well as medical light treatments like narrowband UVB phototherapy and excimer laser or lamp. Availability of certain treatments also changes from country to country and by the patient’s age group. There are situations where oral medication is also used for the short term. “When I was a teenager, I used to cover my vitiligo with a lot of makeup. I didn’t show it to anyone at school. No one really knew I had vitiligo. They probably just thought I was really bad at applying makeup! Prathana reminisced.
From the age of 11 to 19, Prarthana used to hide my vitiligo using camouflage makeup while seeking multiple types of treatment.
