VIVA – Disease vitiligo or white patches on skin It is an autoimmune disease whose cause is still unknown. This disease is not contagious because it is not an infectious disease.
This was stated by the Head of Dermatology of KSM, Dept. of Dermatology and Venerology, FKUI RSCM, dr. Sondang MHA Pandjaitan Sirait, SpKK(K), MPd.Ked, FINSDV, FAADV. “Vitiligo is also not a cursed disease, it’s just a myth,” said Sondang during a webinar held by Regenesis, as reported in a written statement, Monday, June 21, 2021.
Sondang said that diseases that can be detected with the naked eye, namely the presence of patches on the skin due to the destruction of skin pigment cells, can be cured. Currently, there are 0.1-2 percent of the prevalence of vitiligo, equivalent to about 5 million people who experience vitiligo.
“Risk factors for this disease include family history or other autoimmune diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, alopecia areata, and pernicious anemia,” said dr. Song.
He added, vitiligo is a chronic disease whose treatment is long term. It can take months or even years. One of the treatments, among others, with topical or irradiated.
To prevent vitiligo from spreading, according to Sondang, if there are white patches on the skin, they should not be scratched or rubbed because it will cause the white patches to expand. It is advisable to seek treatment immediately so that this disease can be treated properly.
The same thing was stated by the Head of KSM, Dept. of Dermatology and Venerology, FKUI, Dr. Hanny Nilasari, SpKK(K). According to Hanny, many people have the wrong perception, thinking that this is a contagious disease and even a cursed disease. Though vitiligo is not a contagious disease nor is it a curse disease.
Hanny said that people with vitiligo can experience psychosocial problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression because they get a certain stigma. For that, said Hanny, needed support from family, external environment such as friends, and those closest to him.
“By giving support mental health and treatment will be much better on his health because this treatment takes a long time,” said Dr. Hanny.
As a form of support and concern for vitiligo patients, General Manager of Regenesis Indonesia Ron Pirolo said, PT. Regenesis Indonesia organizes a movement to help vitiligo friends through the Self-Love Movement today, right on the month of World Vitiligo Day.
“Through this campaign, we are committed to contributing to support system which is good for vitiligo friends in Indonesia to build self-confidence,” he said.
Sales & Marketing Director Regenesis Emmy Noviawati gave an example, Winnie Harlow, a model who was once a model for America’s Next Top Model, is an accomplished vitiligo sufferer. “Support with sharing, success story, where patients who can exist with their condition can build self-confidence among vitiligo sufferers,” he said.
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