World Vitiligo Day 2022: 5 Myths About Leucoderma You Should Know

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• Jun 25, 2022 | Dhupali Das

World Vitiligo Day 2022: On June 25, 2022, the world celebrates World Vitiligo Day. However, there are certain misconceptions about this disease. Read the article to know what these presumptions are 

Digital Desk: Leucoderma, also called "vitiligo" or "white leprosy," is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system targets pigment-producing, healthy cells, resulting in tissue destruction. The skin pigment melanin, which gives your skin its colour, is produced by melanocytes; when these cells are destroyed, white patches develop on the skin.

In India, more than 1 lakh vitiligo cases are reported annually. Even though vitiligo can occur at any age, it tends to affect younger people. There are multiple kinds of them. Some people only see these white patches in one location on their bodies. These patches spread gradually over the body in some patients simultaneously. There are numerous presumptions regarding this, which stresses out people with vitiligo.

Myth 1: Consuming fish and milk together causes a reaction on the skin 

There is no research of any kind that connects fish milk and white patches on the body. Experts stated that it is an autoimmune condition and is unaffected by meal combinations. Autoimmune disease occurs when the body's immune system begins to attack the body's healthy cells.

Myth 2: Touching spreads vitiligo

There hasn't been any study done on this. However, experts claim that vitiligo is not contagious. In this situation, the disease cannot be spread by the infected individuals touching, consuming, drinking, or engaging in sex.

Myth 3: White patches result from using too much soap

White patches are thought to result from overusing soap. But this concept is a myth and wholly untrue. As previously stated, vitiligo is an autoimmune condition. There are no outside factors involved.

Myth #4: White patches are caused by vitiligo

No, vitiligo does not always generate white spots.  Nevus, post-burns, leprosy, tinea versicolor (a fungal infection), and other conditions can result in white patches.

Myth 5: Its challenging to identify vitiligo

Clinically, vitiligo is a fairly straightforward diagnosis. The skin lesions' usual distribution pattern—hypopigmented, non-scaly, chalky white macules with clear margins—serves as the basis for the diagnosis.