A new study has found that people living with vitiligo — a skin condition that causes white patches on the skin due to loss of pigmentation face far more than just cosmetic concerns. Many suffer from serious emotional distress, social rejection, and even suicidal thoughts, with experts calling it a public health and social awareness crisis.
The study, published in the Annals of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in January, focused on 430 government employees across Maharashtra who have vitiligo. The findings paint a disturbing picture of how deeply this condition impacts a person’s mental health, social life, and sense of self-worth.
Dr Rinky Kapoor and Dr Debraj Shome, co-founders and directors of The Esthetic Clinics, led the study using four internationally recognised tools to measure quality of life and emotional well-being: the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Vitiligo Impact Scale-22 (VIS-22), Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), and Vitiligo-specific Quality of Life tool (VitiQoL).
Hidden side of Vitiligo: Depression, anxiety, and isolation
Among the key findings:
- 100 per cent of participants said they felt embarrassed about their appearance.
- 54.7 per cent had stopped attending social events altogether.
- 60.5 per cent reported symptoms of depression.
- Shockingly, 43.3 per cent said they had considered suicide.
- Every single person surveyed felt vitiligo affected their ability to make friends or show affection.
“These aren’t just numbers,” said Dr Kapoor. “Each percentage point reflects someone who has lost confidence, relationships, or even the will to live. The emotional suffering here is staggering and unacceptable.”
The social challenges were equally painful. Nearly 88 per cent of respondents reported that people around them wrongly believed vitiligo was contagious through touch. The stigma and ignorance were so strong that 87 per cent said their in-laws were concerned or anxious about their condition.
Women face more discrimination
Women with vitiligo often face even harsher treatment. Many reported difficulties in getting marriage proposals, being judged in professional settings, and being excluded from social gatherings like weddings or temple visits.
“Even in educated, urban families, there is fear and misinformation,” said Dr Kapoor. “Women are denied opportunities simply because of how they look — something that’s beyond their control.”
The study also revealed that 71.9 per cent of those surveyed felt their condition affected their ability to work or study. This suggests that vitiligo is not just a cosmetic issue but a serious barrier to education and employment.
“We cannot treat vitiligo as a skin-deep problem when over 40 per cent of patients have considered ending their lives,” she said. “We need more public awareness, emotional support, and societal acceptance along with medical treatment.”
Medical and mental health support
While vitiligo is not medically dangerous, it can have a deep emotional impact. That’s why experts are exploring newer therapies to treat the condition more effectively — not just on the skin but also emotionally.
In a second study published in Dermatological Reviews, Dr Kapoor and Dr Shome tested Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, such as topical ruxolitinib. Used alone or with narrowband UVB phototherapy, the treatment showed promising results — including 37.6 per cent improvement in vitiligo area scores and 75 per cent facial pigmentation recovery in 30 per cent of patients.
But even with these medical advances, doctors believe that real change won’t come unless society changes too.
“About 70 million people live with vitiligo globally, including almost 9 per cent of people in some parts of India,” said Dr Kapoor. “That’s a massive number of people who live with shame and isolation every single day.”
She believes that treatment needs to go beyond creams and procedures. Psychological counselling, family education, and community awareness are just as important.
“For many patients, the real scars aren’t on the skin,” she said. “They’re on the inside.”
The study reveals that while vitiligo may not be life-threatening, its emotional wounds can be. Hence, if you know anyone who is suffering mentally, or emotionally then you must reach out to help them.
