Ask a doctor - How does it feel to have vitiligo?

Q. How does it feel to have vitiligo?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Having vitiligo is an incredibly personal experience and it means something different to everyone who deals with it. For me, having vitiligo has been both difficult and illuminating. On one hand, having vitiligo can be frustrating as you grapple with the changes in your skin's appearance through depigmentation - which can lead to feelings of insecurity or even depression. On the other hand, it can also be liberating in that I'm able to show my vulnerability through this chronic skin condition and open up conversations about self-love and acceptance.

The physical symptoms of vitiligo are just as unique as the emotional ones. Vitiligo causes patches of skin to lose their pigmentation, so some may experience blotchy spots on their arms or legs whereas others might have white streaks on their face or scalp – no two people are alike when it comes to what effects they’re dealing with because of this condition. Other side effects may include a burning sensation in areas where there’s no pigment, increased sensitivity to sun exposure (which requires extra attention when outdoors) along with potential blistering around affected areas from UV radiation from the sun.

Fortunately for those living with vitiligo there are several treatments available depending on how much coverage you want for your affected area(s). One option could be taking oral medications such as corticosteroids which work by suppressing cells that create melanin in order to lighten dark spots; however these come at a risk since prolonged use at high dosages could affect liver functioning or cause immunosuppression in some individuals. Other methods such as topical creams containing steroids like hydrocortisone cream help reduce symptoms but won't necessarily lead towards recovery either since its effectiveness varies from person-to-person. If you're looking for more permanent solutions then lasers used during cosmetic surgery treatments like Vbeam Pulsed Dye Laser Therapy typically offer longer lasting results at the cost of higher expenses due to the number of visits required per session over time (as well as considerable downtime after each visit).

In conclusion, having vitiligo is never easy but despite all its challenges I'm thankful everyday that I get this unique opportunity – not only do I learn more about myself daily but I'm also given access into conversations where we discuss topics surrounding self love & acceptance - something everyone should strive for regardless!