Forum

Dear Vitiligo Friends, Stress is one of the key factors that can trigger the onset of vitiligo as well as worsen the existing cases. It has often been noted that the patients report an increase in the severity of the disease during episodes of stress. This is because stress tends to alter the immune state of the body and makes it more susceptible to certain kinds of ailments. Stress could be in various forms and continued stress for long periods often tends to bring about detrimental changes in the immune system. leading to direct or indirect aggravation in vitiligo. For example. prolonged suppressed emotions could lead to hormonal imbalance such as hypothyroid (under active thyroid), in turn aggravating vitiligo. Lasting grief could enhance production of s certain cytokines (immune cells) which may lead to destruction of melanin cells.

Stress could be in the form of: Worries about the economy Disappointments in life Prolonged grief Suppressed anger Dejection in ambitions Business loss Loss (death) of a loved one Work pressure at work or the office (I think most of us can relate to that one) Prolonged worries, anxieties, etc These are just few of the many things that could be the type of stress on an individual.