Vitiligo

Vitiligo (Leucoderma) is a skin condition in which white patches appear on the surface of the skin. Although it does not cause any physical harm, it can affect a person’s confidence and create psychological and social challenges.

Importance of Healthy Skin

The face reflects a person’s overall appearance. Fresh, smooth, and blemish-free skin enhances personality and beauty. The skin not only protects the human body but also adds to its attractiveness. It helps regulate body temperature and removes waste through sweat.

Vitamin D is important for body growth, and the skin produces it when exposed to sunlight.

How Vitiligo Appears

In vitiligo, white patches begin to appear on the skin. At the early stage, the area around these patches may look reddish due to changes in pigmentation. Without treatment, these patches can spread over larger areas of the body.

Common Myths

In old traditions, vitiligo was thought to be caused by drinking milk after eating fish. Modern research has proven this belief wrong. Many countries, such as Bangladesh and the Philippines, consume fish and milk together, yet the disease is not more common there.

What Causes Vitiligo?

Experts say that the pigment-producing cells in the skin (found in the upper layer) stop producing color, although the cells themselves remain normal in structure and number.
People with vitiligo are advised to also get checked for diabetes and thyroid problems.

Who Can Get It?

Vitiligo can appear at any age and on any part of the body. Because the affected skin lacks pigmentation, it is more sensitive to sunburn. Normally, skin color helps protect against sunlight, but in vitiligo, this protection is reduced.

Is It Contagious?

Vitiligo is harmless and not contagious. It is important to treat people with vitiligo as normal individuals and avoid social discrimination.

Effects on Hair

At the beginning, hair color is not affected, but over time, the hair in the affected areas may turn white. People with vitiligo may also experience premature greying of hair on the scalp.

Treatment and Precautions

Some patches respond to treatment quickly, while others take more time.
People with vitiligo on exposed body parts should avoid direct sunlight and wear protective clothing. Sunglasses can help protect the eyes from sunlight.

No Link Between Fish and Milk

Medical science confirms that eating fish and milk together does not cause vitiligo. Many dishes contain both ingredients, and people consume them without any such effects.

Conclusion

Vitiligo is a skin condition where pigment-producing cells stop working, leading to white patches. While it does not harm the body physically or spread from person to person, it can affect self-confidence. The best approach is early treatment, sun protection, and positive social acceptance of those affected. Myths about fish and milk should be ignored, as they have no scientific basis.