Vitiligo is more common in South Asia than in most other regions, with an increased prevalence.[i] Because the depigmented patches present a sharp contrast against darker skin phototypes, the condition is highly visible and often carries profound psychological and cultural stigma.[ii]
Due to deeply rooted cultural perceptions, the psychosocial burden is often more severe in South Asian populations compared to Western countries: [iii]
- High Psychiatric Morbidity: Studies show that depression and anxiety rates among South Asian vitiligo patients can reach up to 60%, largely driven by cosmetic and social concerns.[iv]
- Stigma and Misconceptions: In many South Asian communities, the condition is still heavily stigmatized, occasionally being falsely linked to myths surrounding contagion, dietary taboos, or even perceived karmic or spiritual “impurity”.[v]
World Vitiligo Day is today, June 25 – a timely opportunity to spotlight a condition that affects thousands of Canadians – yet remains widely misunderstood. [vi]
Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease – often mistaken as a cosmetic issue – where pigment-producing cells are destroyed, leading to visible patches of skin discoloration, and it can have a profound impact on mental health, self-confidence, and overall quality of life[vii].
Awareness remains low – less than 20% of Canadians living with vitiligo report feeling well informed at diagnosis, and many leave early appointments confused or unsupported.[viii]
[i] Akl J, Lee S, Ju H et al. Estimating the burden of vitiligo: a systematic review and modelling study. The Lancet Public Health, 2024;9,e386-e396. Available at: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667%2824%2900026-4/fulltext
[ii] Towheed S, Hamzavi Z, Eleftheriadou V, Ezzedine K; GLObal Vitiligo Atlas (GLOVA). Vitiligo and Depression in Western versus South Asian Countries: Cultural Background Should Be Considered. J Invest Dermatol. 2025 Oct 24:S0022-202X(25)02481-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2025.09.021. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41134226. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134226/
[iii] IBID
[iv] IBID
[v] IBID
[vi] Canadian Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Vitiligo. https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/diseases-conditions/skin-conditions/vitiligo/
[vii] IBID
[viii]Vitiligo Research Foundation. World Vitiligo Day 2026 – A Historic Return to the Movement’s Spiritual Birthplace. Available at: https://vrfoundation.org/news_items/world-vitiligo-day-2026-a-historic-return-to-the-movements-spiritual-birthplace. Accessed June 16, 2026.
