Vitiligo causes psychological difficulties. Precisely for this reason it is useful to dwell on the psychological aspects of Vitiligo.
Vitiligo as a pathology
The origin of vitiligo is unknown. However, many studies speak of autoimmune or hereditary causes.
The triggers are not known either.
Science speculates that Vitiligo is due to defects in the melanocytes. In addition, other possible causes have been found in metabolic disorders, in the intervention of mediator of inflammation. But also from stress or severe trauma. However, the specific contribution of each of these factors and the initial triggering event are still not clearly identified.
Precisely for these reasons it was not easy and obvious to consider Vitiligo a real pathology. This is because it is not characterized by the typical elements of the disease.
In fact, it does not show painful phenomena and its manifestation is “limited” to the chromatic variation of the skin. Precisely for this reason, it is not invisible. In fact, its presence is in fact very evident, especially when the patches hit the face, neck and hands, that is the most visible and, at the same time, most exposed parts of our body.
The psychological aspects of Vitiligo
It is not surprising that this disease has significant psychological implications and with important consequences on the well-being of the person.
In fact, it is not uncommon for the person to feel exposed to the vision of others who, often inadvertently, can assume expressions of surprise and curiosity. Up to the most serious cases of discrimination.
Hence the social anxiety that can induce forms of depression in the person suffering from vitiligo which, in turn, risk worsening the course of the disease.
After all, when the spots suddenly extend to the face, décolleté, hands, arms, legs, feet, the psychological balance risks being significantly compromised and requiring a supportive psychotherapy path. supporting.