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2mo ago

Study Reveals Severe Psychological Toll on Vitiligo Patients as New Therapies Gain Ground

Alarming rates of depression and suicidal thoughts among vitiligo patients are driving calls for dedicated mental health support.

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Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition in which patches of skin lose their pigment-producing cells, resulting in white or light-colored spots. (Freepik)
There are many myths surrounding vitiligo that need to be debunked urgently to ensure people with vitiligo have a good quality of life.
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Overview

  • New research finds that 60.5% of vitiligo patients report symptoms of depression and over 40% have considered suicide, underscoring a serious mental health crisis.
  • Persistent myths about contagion and diet contribute to social isolation and low self-esteem among affected individuals.
  • Dermatologists stress that vitiligo is an autoimmune loss of melanocytes, not linked to hygiene or food, and that early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes.
  • Topical JAK inhibitors like ruxolitinib have achieved significant repigmentation in about 58% of cases, and pairing with narrowband UVB phototherapy yields even higher success rates.
  • On World Vitiligo Day experts are calling for routine mental health screening and integrated psychological support alongside medical therapies.