Review article on beliefs and myths of people regarding vitiligo

Author: 
Uzma eram

Vitiligo is a chronic noncontagious skin disease that causes depigmentation. It affects approximately 1 to 2% of the total population of the world. The people may suffer related social and emotional consequences.Most vitiligo patients report feeling embarrassed,which can lead to low self-esteem and social isolation. For many centuries, people with vitiligo were not allowed to get jobs and were kept away from getting married and were uninvited to marriages because their old ancient and religious beliefs.Vitiligo was referred to as ‘Kilas’ in rigvedas, which means Deer like skin. Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder of great concern affecting 1-4% of the world population. Educating the public about vitiligo could lead to increased self-confidence, better social integration, and psychological well-being for vitiligo patients.The community health workers should give proper health education to people.Separate skin clinic should be opened at the centres and skin specialists should be there at the clinics.

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DOI: 
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24327/ijcar.2017.2810.0111
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Volume6