Living with vitiligo can be hard. Some people with the disorder feel embarrassed, sad, ashamed, or upset about the changes in their appearance. Sometimes, this can lead to low self-esteem and depression. Seeking advice and help from a mental health professional can help you cope with the disorder and treat depression.

In addition to the treatments your doctor recommends, you can help manage the disease by:

• Protecting your skin from the sun. Use sunscreen and wear clothes to help protect your skin from sunburn and long-term damage.
• Wearing cosmetics, such as self-tanning lotions or dyes, to cover depigmented patches of skin. Talk to your doctor about which lotion or dye you should use.
• Finding a doctor who has experience treating people with vitiligo.
• Learning about the disorder and treatments to help you make decisions about care.
• Talking with other people who have vitiligo. Consider finding a vitiligo support group in your area or through an online community.
• Reaching out to family and friends for support.