While vitiligo is not life-threatening or harmful, it can cause problems with social stigma,depression, and anxiety because it affects a person’s physical appearance.
As such, if you experience this disorder, talking about it with loved ones, friends, and family is essential for coping. This means learning about vitiligo, being open about its impact, and actively communicating about it.
This article discusses tips on how to explain vitiligo to others, as well as coping strategies.
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The Impact of Vitiligo
Though the patches are prone tosunburn, they typically are not painful. While the condition can spread and there is no cure, it’s neither dangerous nor life-threatening.With management and therapy, the discoloration can potentially be reduced.
Overview of Vitiligo in Children
However, because vitiligo affects physical appearance, this condition can significantly impact mental health and quality of life. It leads to:
It’s important to be able to talk about your experiences living with the condition. Being open to your feelings and willing to discuss them is crucial for effective communication. If you’re struggling emotionally, be sure to talk to your doctor. Individual and group counseling, among other methods, can help you cope.
Talking About Vitiligo
Living with vitiligo means more than just taking active steps to manage its symptoms. It also means advocating for yourself and being able to explain and discuss the condition. However, as with any medical condition, these conversations aren’t always easy to have. This is especially the case because vitiligo is relatively rare.
So what are some keys to discussing vitiligo? According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD), several points should be emphasized, including:
Talking to Children About Vitiligo
Though vitiligo most often arises in adults, children and adolescents can also develop the condition. The development of depigmented skin in younger people can be devastating, leading to low self-esteem, embarrassment, and self-consciousness.In turn, these feelings can lead to challenges making friends and social isolation.
It’s therefore essential for parents to explain the condition not only to their children, but also to teachers and peers. Tips for discussing vitiligo with your child include:
Vitiligo at SchoolBecause children with vitiligo may face bullying or stigmatization at school, it’s a good idea to talk to your child’s teacher and school staff about the condition. They can help you figure out ways to address any issues that arise in class and on the playing field.
Vitiligo at School
Because children with vitiligo may face bullying or stigmatization at school, it’s a good idea to talk to your child’s teacher and school staff about the condition. They can help you figure out ways to address any issues that arise in class and on the playing field.
A Word From Verywell
As tough as it can be to live with vitiligo, it’s important to remember a couple things. You can manage it, and you’re not alone. With good care and lifestyle changes, as well as the support of family and friends, this disorder can be effectively managed. Talking to others about the condition—being open about it and how it’s affecting you—is part of taking it on.
Having these conversations can also be a means of advocacy. Vitiligo isn’t well-known, so you may find yourself educating others about it. In doing so, in raising awareness about vitiligo, you make the world a better place for everyone with this condition.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cleveland Clinic.Vitiligo: types, symptoms, causes, treatment & recovery.Grimes P, Miller M.Vitiligo: patient stories, self-esteem, and the psychological burden of disease.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2018;4(1):32-37. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.11.005Artemi P.How should I tell my child they have vitiligo?.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cleveland Clinic.Vitiligo: types, symptoms, causes, treatment & recovery.Grimes P, Miller M.Vitiligo: patient stories, self-esteem, and the psychological burden of disease.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2018;4(1):32-37. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.11.005Artemi P.How should I tell my child they have vitiligo?.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cleveland Clinic.Vitiligo: types, symptoms, causes, treatment & recovery.Grimes P, Miller M.Vitiligo: patient stories, self-esteem, and the psychological burden of disease.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2018;4(1):32-37. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.11.005Artemi P.How should I tell my child they have vitiligo?.
Cleveland Clinic.Vitiligo: types, symptoms, causes, treatment & recovery.
Grimes P, Miller M.Vitiligo: patient stories, self-esteem, and the psychological burden of disease.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2018;4(1):32-37. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.11.005
Artemi P.How should I tell my child they have vitiligo?.
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