Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Vitiligo is a skin disorder caused by autoimmunity on the body. Vitiligo is a chronic disease characterized by white patches on the skin.
In patients with vitiligo, there is an abnormality of the melanin pigment in the skin. The melanin pigment that should work to give color to the skin is not formed, causing white patches like chalk.
Vitiligo is rare, so many people misinterpret this disorder. As a result, many myths appear that surround the disease vitiligo to interfere with treatment.
“There are vitiligo myths circulating and of course many are wrong. These myths can interfere with patient treatment,” said skin and sex specialist FKUI, Hanny Nilasari, in the webinar ‘Self Love Movement for Vitiligo Sufferers’ with Regenesis, some time ago.
Here are 5 myths about vitiligo.
1. Vitiligo is contagious
Patients with vitiligo are often shunned because they are considered to carry infectious diseases. In fact, vitiligo is a disease caused by an autoimmune disorder so it is not contagious.
“Vitiligo is not contagious because it is not a disease caused by infection,” said Hanny.
2. Vitiligo hereditary disease
Vitiligo is often thought of as a hereditary disease. However, actually vitiligo is not a hereditary disease.
A mother who suffers from vitiligo will not necessarily give birth to a child with vitiligo.
“The myth is that vitiligo must be passed down, apparently not. A mother with vitiligo does not necessarily give birth to a child with vitiligo,” said Hanny.
However, if there is a family history of vitiligo, the risk of developing vitiligo is greater.
3. Vitiligo has no cure
Another myth is that vitiligo is incurable. In fact, vitiligo can be treated with long-term medication.
Several treatments for vitiligo patients are currently available, such as oral medications, topical creams, UVA light therapy, and surgical procedures.
The treatment offered is tailored to the severity of vitiligo.
4. Vitiligo can’t be cured
Head of Dermatology FKUI RSCM, skin and genital specialist Sondang Pandjaitan Sirait said, vitiligo can be cured with proper and regular treatment.
Treatment of vitiligo takes months to years. The recovery time of vitiligo patients is also unpredictable.
“Even so, there are always results from treatment, so it’s impossible for the treatment to have no results at all,” said Sondang.
5. Vitiligo only occurs on dark skin
This myth is believed by some Indonesian people. This group believes that vitiligo can only occur in people with dark skin.
In fact, vitiligo can happen to anyone and any skin type.
“Vitiligo can affect anyone, any age, and any skin type,” said Hanny.
(mail/asr)
– .
