Vitiligo is a skin disease, is a loss of skin pigment or color that causes white spots or patches to appear on the skin. The cause of this disease is unknown and also there is no cure. Although it is thought that it is connected to an autoimmune disease. The symptoms can be controlled to some extent, and efforts can be made to bring back the pigment to the skin.
Vitiligo as a disease can affect all sexes, and usually has no age restriction. Although Vitiligo can occur anywhere on the body, it’s more likely to happen in:
- areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face or hands
- skin that has folds, such as the elbows, knees, or groin
- skin around orifices (body openings), such as the eyes, nostrils, belly button, and genital area
Although kids of all races are affected equally, spots tend to be more visible on those with darker skin. The way in which your child responds to Vitiligo will depend on the child’s age. Very few children under the age of four seem almost unaware of their depigmentation. Name calling and teasing about the patches can however make them aware of it. It can be embarrassing for them as others kids might not understand what is actually going on. Thus it is quite important to be very supportive and also talk to them about the patches and appearance of the skin. Taking them to therapy might also help.
Vitiligo might cause quite a lot of stress in the children. Especially in their adolescent years when social interactions are important in a person’s life. This disease can also make the child extremely self conscious, thus reassurance is very important for them.
It is said that it is important to encourage the child’s achievements and encourage them to take up new hobbies, etc. so that their focus is on something productive and they do not keep on fixating about their appearance and patches.
If a child is severely affected by Vitiligo, many forms of concealment can be used. Certain type sof clothes can be worn which hide the patches, and even some amount of makeup can be used. A wide range of special cosmetic products exists which can cover Vitiligo.
But the most important thing is to talk and understand how the child is feeling, this will help the child channel their problems and feelings into something positive and constructive.
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