Myths and beliefs among patients regarding vitiligo in outdoor unit of skin department, tertiary care teaching hospital

Abstract

Introduction : Vitiligo is a depigmentation disorder of skin where the loss of functioning melanocytes causes the
appearance of white patches on the skin. Some myths and beliefs regarding vitiligo exist in our Indian society.
Some of them are successfully practised. Present study will reveal the hurdles in providing safe and effective
treatment. So this study will evaluate the current scenario about myths and beliefs invitiligo patients. This will help
to get a baseline data and in-depth information.
Objectives : The purpose of this study is to assess the myths and belief of the patients regarding vitiligo.
Materials and methods : Across sectional survey type study conducted in tertiary care teaching hospital and face
to face interview was undertaken with 100 Vitiligo patients using structured questionnaires. The questionnaires
included social-demographic profileand food, cultural and ritual related beliefs.
Results : Total 100 patients were included in study. Majority of patients belongs to age groups of 31-40yr, were
females and educated up to secondary school. Considering food belief majority believe that contrast
food(virudhaahaar) is the main causative factor, among cultural belief majority were unwilling to marry vitiligo
patients and regarding ritual belief vitiligo is result of our sins.
Conclusion : Implementation of educational awareness programmes with counselling is crucially important in
order to improve management of vitiligo.