Vitiligo, is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that has continued to affect millions of people worldwide, including hundreds of thousands of Nigerians, thereby leaving white patches on the skin due to the destruction of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells responsible for skin color.
The condition, though not contagious, causes gradual loss of pigmentation in various parts of the body such as the face, hands, chest, scalp, genital region, and even inside the mouth.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vitiligo affects about 1% of the global population, with an estimated 844,000 Nigerians currently living with the condition.
Research indicates that individuals between 20 and 25 years old are at a higher risk of developing vitiligo.
Vitiligo awareness gained international recognition through advocacy efforts led by the founder of the Vitiligo Friends Network, Steve Haragadon, and Ogo Maduewesi, a Nigerian vitiligo patient and founder of the Vitiligo Support and Awareness Foundation (VITSAF).
The late pop icon Michael Jackson also brought global attention to vitiligo, as he publicly battled the condition from the early 1980s until his death in 2009.
Speaking on the condition, a Dermatologist Dr. Emilia Nwankwegu explained that while the exact cause of vitiligo remained unknown, genetic, environmental, and autoimmune factors play key roles.
“Some people develop white patches after childbirth or during periods of extreme stress,” Dr. Nwankwegu said. “Unfortunately, due to poor awareness, many victims are discriminated against. People often assume they are bleaching or have burns, which leads to psychological distress and low self-esteem.”
Dr. Nwankwegu emphasized the need for more public sensitization, especially in schools and communities, to correct misconceptions about the condition.
Similarly, a Senior Registrar in Dermatology at the Federal Medical Centre, Nasarawa state, Dr. Deborah Magaji, noted that genetic factors account for nearly 80% of vitiligo cases.
“Vitiligo has no permanent cure,” she explained. “However, the goal of treatment is to stop its progression and encourage skin repigmentation. Areas like the face and trunk respond better to treatment than the hands. Patients are advised to use sunscreen, camouflage techniques, or medical makeup to improve appearance and confidence.”
One of the patients, Mr. Henry Praise, shared his personal experience; “I wasn’t born with it. It started when I moved to Niger State where the weather was extremely hot. It began as small spots on my face and later spread to my chest. Thankfully, I was never bullied, but I want more awareness and research to help others manage it better.”
Mr Praise called on the government and health institutions to support research, awareness campaigns, and policy development that would promote acceptance and inclusion of people living with vitiligo.
Experts and advocates agree that vitiligo, while not life-threatening, has deep emotional and social impacts. Increased awareness, early medical intervention, and inclusive education were vital to ending stigma and empowering those affected to live confidently.
As global awareness continues to rise, health professionals urge Nigerians to see beauty beyond skin color.
