New Delhi: Malayalam actor Mamta Mohandas revealed on Sunday that she has vitiligo, an autoimmune illness. To reveal this, she posted a photo of herself on Instagram along with a poem. Mohandas had previously overcome cancer and Hodgkin's Lymphoma. In her post, she wrote, "Dear Sun, I embrace you now like I have never before. So Spotted, I’m losing colour… I rise even before you every morning, to see you glimmer your first ray through the haze. Give me all you’ve got.. for I will be indebted, here on out and forever by your grace."






Netizens gave her strength and wrote heartfelt messages in the comments section. One of them wrote, "No worries. it's not a disease, just a skin condition. You are a fighter and inspiration for all. You will be better soon. God bless you.", while another person said, "You’re a fighter and you’re beautiful."


What Is Vitiligo?


Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder that causes pale white spots to appear on the skin. It is caused by a deficiency of melanin, the pigment in the skin. Vitiligo can affect any part of the skin, however, it most usually affects the face, neck, and hands, as well as skin wrinkles. Because pale skin is more sensitive to sunburn, it is critical to apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor when out in the sun (SPF).


Vitiligo affects people of all skin colours, however, it is more visible in people with brown or black skin. The illness is neither dangerous nor communicable, but it can be stressful or make you feel self-conscious. Treatment for vitiligo may result in the restoration of colour to the damaged skin. However, it does not prevent further skin colour loss or recurrence.


Symptoms Of Vitiligo:


The areas of skin most commonly affected by vitiligo include:



  • mouth and eyes

  • fingers and wrists

  • armpits

  • groin

  • genitals

  • inside your mouth


It can also appear where there are hair roots, such as on the scalp. A lack of melanin in your skin might cause your hair in the afflicted area to turn white or grey.


Vitiligo frequently begins as a light area of skin that gradually becomes fully white. A patch's centre may be white, with paler skin surrounding it. If blood vessels are present beneath the epidermis, the patch may be slightly pink rather than white.


The patch's margins can be smooth or uneven. They can be red and inflammatory, or they can have brownish discolouration (hyperpigmentation).


Causes Of Vitiligo:


Vitiligo develops when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or cease producing melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of your skin, hair, and eyes. The affected skin patches lighten or turn white. It is unknown what causes these pigment cells to fail or perish. It could be connected to:



  • Immune system dysfunction (an autoimmune condition)

  • Ancestral history (heredity)

  • A triggering event, such as stress, intense sunburn, or skin trauma, such as chemical contact


Treatment Of Vitiligo:


Vitiligo white patches are usually permanent, but there are treatment alternatives to minimise their appearance.



  • If the patches are small, skin camouflage cream might be used to conceal them.

  • Steroid creams can also be used on the skin to restore some colour, but long-term use might result in stretch marks and skin thinning.

  • If steroid creams do not work, phototherapy (light therapy) may be employed.