Living with vitiligo may oftentimes affect a person's emotional and psychological well-being. People with the condition can experience emotional stress because vitiligo may develop on visible parts of the body, including the face, hands, or feet. Popular strategies for people living with vitiligo include finding the right doctor, learning about the disorder, and using cosmetics to cover up white patches.
Living With Vitiligo: An Introduction
The change in appearance caused by
vitiligo can affect a person's emotional and psychological well-being, and may create difficulty in getting or keeping a job. People with this disorder can experience emotional stress, particularly if vitiligo develops on visible areas of the body, such as the face, hands, arms, or feet. Adolescents, who are often particularly concerned about their appearance, can be devastated by widespread vitiligo. Some people who have the condition feel embarrassed, ashamed, depressed, or worried about how others will react.
Strategies for Living With Vitiligo
Several strategies can help people living with vitiligo, including:
- Finding the right doctor
- Learning about vitiligo
- Finding support
- Counseling
- Using cosmetics.
Finding the Right Doctor
It is important to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about vitiligo and takes the disorder seriously. The doctor should also be a good listener and be able to provide emotional support. Patients need to let their doctors know if they are feeling depressed, because doctors and other mental health professionals can help people deal with
depression.
Learning About Vitiligo
Patients should also learn as much as possible about the disorder and
vitiligo treatment options so that they can participate in decisions about their healthcare.
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