Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes the skin cells to lose its pigment cells called melanocytes. Unfortunately, vitiligo is a chronic disease meaning that it does not have a cure as yet and it is also a long lasting disease. According to studies, it can appear at any age, although it is more likely to appear at the age of 20. There are many myths believed to be the cause of this condition but as we all know myths cannot be proven.

Vitiligo affects about 1% of the world’s population. It doesn’t discriminate against gender or race. Here in South Africa we have a well-known and successful actress by the name of Leleti Khumalo living with Vitiligo. When it started appearing on her skin, people were spreading rumours that this was a punishment from her ancestors. This is not true because there are many people around the world living with vitiligo. It is also genetic condition, meaning that if someone in your family has it, there’s a very high chance you or your offspring will inherit it.
Unfortunately, it is unpredictable. You just have to take care of your diet as much as you can to combat its spread. The good thing about it is that is a non-communicable disease and it is also not contagious. People affected by this skin disease are also human beings and they are not different from those who don’t have it, so let’s not discriminate anyone because of their skin condition.

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