New
A recent study "Burden of Disease and Treatment Patterns Amongst Patients With Vitiligo: Findings From a National, Longitudinal Retrospective Study in the United Kingdom" has shone a light on vitiligo.
It found that in 2021, about 0.38% of people had vitiligo, but in 2019, a staggering 85% of those with the condition hadn't received any form of treatment. Even when treatments were prescribed, patients often waited an average of 34 months after diagnosis before starting. The treatments they did receive usually involved creams or oral medications aimed at reducing inflammation and immune system activity.
The study also revealed that mental health issues, like depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, were quite common among people with vitiligo, affecting around 24.6% of patients. Interestingly, white patients reported these problems more frequently than those of Black, Asian, or other ethnic backgrounds. In the year following their vitiligo diagnosis, nearly 17% of new patients were treated with medications for anxiety or depression.
This research suggests that vitiligo is often not taken as seriously as it should be, with many patients not receiving timely treatments. This could be because the treatments available today don't always work well. It highlights a significant gap in care and support for those with vitiligo, emphasizing the need for better treatments and a more proactive approach to this skin condition and its psychological impacts.
FAQOther Questions
- How can I explain vitiligo to my children?
Vitiligo can be confusing for children because it doesn’t resemble an "illness" in the typical sense. Choosing the right way to explain it depends on your child’s age and maturi...
- How Vitiligo Changes with Age?
Vitiligo, a condition characterized by the loss of skin pigmentation, can affect individuals at any stage of life. While it often appears before the age of 20, its progression a...
- Is there a special diet for vitiligo?
Recent research highlights the potential of diet and nutrition in managing vitiligo, offering an alternative where traditional therapies may be lacking. However, the relationshi...
Though it is not always easy to treat vitiligo, there is much to be gained by clearly understanding the diagnosis, the future implications, treatment options and their outcomes.
Many people deal with vitiligo while remaining in the public eye, maintaining a positive outlook, and having a successful career.
Copyright (C) Bodolóczki JúliaBy taking a little time to fill in the anonymous questionnaire, you can help researchers better understand and fight vitiligo.