8 common myths and facts about vitiligo

One of the commonest myths about vitiligo in some Ugandan cultures is that it is a reaction to twins, whatever that means.

Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin.

It’s caused by the lack of melanin, which is the pigment in skin. Vitiligo can affect any area of skin, but it commonly happens on the face, neck and hands, and in skin creases.

Many misconceptions revolve around vitiligo, giving rise to many doubts and false beliefs. Here are the myths and their counter facts.
1. Myth: Consumption of certain food items can cause vitiligo.

Fact: This is false as, over many years, many people have believed that eating white-coloured food items or sour foods like citrus or drinking milk shortly after eating fish causes vitiligo. However, there’s simply no scientific proof to confirm the above theory.
2. Myth: Vitiligo is a contagious disease.

Fact: Vitiligo is not contagious, and it does not spread through close contact, touch, sharing personal items, saliva, etc.
3. Myth: Vitiligo is a 100% curable condition.

Fact: It is unpredictable and hence can’t be said for sure. The treatment of vitiligo is difficult and slow; not all patients respond similarly. In addition, vitiligo is of different types with varying percentages of durability.
4. Myth: Vitiligo is tough to diagnose.

Fact: Vitiligo is a relatively straightforward clinical diagnosis. The diagnosis is based on the characteristic type of the skin lesions, which is hypopigmented, non-scaly, chalky white macules with distinct margins and of typical distribution pattern.
5. Myth: People with vitiligo are less intelligent and or physically incapable.

Fact: Vitiligo is an exclusive skin condition and has no connection to either physical or mental disorders.
6. Myth: All white patches are vitiligo.

Fact: No, not all white patches are vitiligo. There is a vast list of all white spot disorders. Nevus, post-burns, leprosy, tinea versicolor (fungal infection), and others are a few examples of potential causes of white patches.
7. Myth: Genetics also play an essential role in vitiligo.

Fact: A few studies worldwide have found a strong link between the development of vitiligo and a family history of autoimmune illnesses and the occurrence of vitiligo.
8. Myth: Vitiligo is a reaction to twins – abaloongo bamwokya.

Fact: There is no scientific research that connects twins to vitiligo. Also, it is hard to know exactly how twins are supposed to cause this.