Health and Me

Health And Me Desk

Vitiligo Myths Debunked: It's Not Contagious or Caused by Food

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/vitiligo">Vitiligo</a> is an acquired disorder of depigmentation characterized by white patches on the body. It affects all races. There is a lot of stigma associated with the disease due to disfigurement. The affected persons suffer from psychological distress, low self-esteem, and social neglect. Inadequate knowledge and age-old misconceptions are the key reasons for this undue apprehension associated with this condition.

There is a misconception that vitiligo can spread by contact. However, vitiligo is non-contagious and does not spread by contact. 

Another misconception is that sour food causes vitiligo, which is not scientifically proven. It cannot be transmitted through contact, shared items, or proximity. It is not caused by bacterial, viral, or other infectious agents. It tends to be more noticeable in people with darker skin, due to higher contrast between affected and unaffected areas.

There is no significant variation in people of different races, religions, and socio-economic status for predisposition to vitiligo. There is another myth that vitiligo and leprosy are the same, as both present with white skin.

The exact cause is multifactorial, with hypotheses based on genetic—autoimmune, neural, and biochemical theories. There is a role of acquired factors like stress and infections in its clinical expression. It is associated with other autoimmune disorders like diabetes mellitus, alopecia areata, Addison's disease, and thyroid disorders.

The course of the disease is unpredictable. If you notice any skin discoloration, reach out to a dermatologist for early diagnosis and treatment.

<h2>What You Can Safely Do Around Someone With Vitiligo</h2>

Bust the myths about vitiligo with proper information regarding the condition.

<ul><li>You can safely touch or hug someone with vitiligo</li><li>You can share food, drinks, or utensils.</li><li>Use the same towels, clothes, or bedding</li><li>Swim in the same pool</li><li>Live, work, or study in close quarters</li><li>There is zero risk of transmission.</li></ul>

By proper public awareness, the social stigma associated with the condition can be debunked. A qualified dermatologist can diagnose the condition with medical history, Wood's lamp examination, and blood tests to rule out other autoimmune diseases. 

There is no cure for vitiligo, but treatment to restore pigmentation and to prevent progression of the disease can be done. Counseling and support groups to help patients with this disorder can make a meaningful difference.

(Dr. Saji Firoz, Consultant, Dermatology &amp; Cosmetology, KIMSHEALTH, Thiruvananthapuram)

Health Conditions A-Z

health

vitiligo-myths-debunked-its-not-contagious-or-caused-by-food

Vitiligo

stigma

stigma myths

autoimmune disorders

alopecia areata

australia-reports-more-suspected-h5-bird-flu-cases-does-it-have-pandemic-potential

Australia Reports More H5 Bird Flu Cases: Does It Have Pandemic Potential?

why-fentanyl-addiction-treatments-are-losing-effectiveness-study-finds

Why Fentanyl Addiction Treatments Are Losing Effectiveness, Study Finds

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Vitiligo is an acquired disorder of depigmentation characterized by white patches on the body. It affects all races. There is a lot of stigma associated with the disease due to disfigurement. The affected persons suffer from psychological distress, low self-esteem, and social neglect. Inadequate knowledge and age-old misconceptions are the key reasons for this undue apprehension associated with this condition.Common Myths About VitiligoThere is a misconception that vitiligo can spread by contact. However, vitiligo is non-contagious and does not spread by contact. Another misconception is that sour food causes vitiligo, which is not scientifically proven. It cannot be transmitted through contact, shared items, or proximity. It is not caused by bacterial, viral, or other infectious agents. It tends to be more noticeable in people with darker skin, due to higher contrast between affected and unaffected areas.There is no significant variation in people of different races, religions, and socio-economic status for predisposition to vitiligo. There is another myth that vitiligo and leprosy are the same, as both present with white skin.What Causes Vitiligo?The exact cause is multifactorial, with hypotheses based on genetic—autoimmune, neural, and biochemical theories. There is a role of acquired factors like stress and infections in its clinical expression. It is associated with other autoimmune disorders like diabetes mellitus, alopecia areata, Addison's disease, and thyroid disorders. The course of the disease is unpredictable. If you notice any skin discoloration, reach out to a dermatologist for early diagnosis and treatment.What You Can Safely Do Around Someone With VitiligoBust the myths about vitiligo with proper information regarding the condition.You can safely touch or hug someone with vitiligoYou can share food, drinks, or utensils.Use the same towels, clothes, or beddingSwim in the same poolLive, work, or study in close quartersThere is zero risk of transmission.By proper public awareness, the social stigma associated with the condition can be debunked. A qualified dermatologist can diagnose the condition with medical history, Wood's lamp examination, and blood tests to rule out other autoimmune diseases. There is no cure for vitiligo, but treatment to restore pigmentation and to prevent progression of the disease can be done. Counseling and support groups to help patients with this disorder can make a meaningful difference. (Dr. Saji Firoz, Consultant, Dermatology & Cosmetology, KIMSHEALTH, Thiruvananthapuram)

vitiligo myths debunked: it's not contagious or caused by food

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Vitiligo Myths Debunked: It's Not Contagious or Caused by Food

Why Fentanyl Addiction Treatments Are Losing Effectiveness, Study Finds

The Lancet: Young Adults With Obesity Face Higher Heart Risk; Statins Benefit Older Adults

Athlete's Heart Explained: Why Highly Active Individuals Have Different Hearts?

Health Conditions A-Z

Australia Reports More H5 Bird Flu Cases: Does It Have Pandemic Potential?

Vitiligo Myths Debunked: It's Not Contagious or Caused by Food

Why Fentanyl Addiction Treatments Are Losing Effectiveness, Study Finds