Actor Mamta Mohandas wrote on Instagram that she is suffering from vitiligo, a skin condition often linked to autoimmune diseases
The actor-singer posted selfies posted her picture on Instagram and said she is "losing colour"
Vitiligo is a condition that causes loss of skin color in patches called depigmentation. It usually affects the skin on the body. The discoloured patches usually grow bigger over time
The disease is mainly caused due to the attack and destruction of melanocytes, melanin-making skin cells, by the body's immune system. Globally, 1% of people have vitiligo
People suffering from the following diseases can get vitiligo:
* Pernicious anemia
* Psoriasis
* Rheumatoid arthritis
* Hashimoto's thyroiditis
* Type 1 diabetes
* Alopecia areata
* Celiac disease
The affected people’s skin turns into a milky-white colour that often appears symmetrically on both sides of their body. Sometimes, people's hair and the inside of their mouths and nose can also show signs of vitiligo
A physical examination and close evaluation of patient's skin can show telltale signs. Other modes of diagnosis include a blood test or doctors can also use a black or UV light to detect early phases
There is no cure for vitiligo but there are treatment options, which slow down or stop the disease's progression, encourage the re-growth of melanocytes
Topical medicated creams or medicines with corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors are prescribed. Phototherapy or laser treatments are also used to treat specific areas affected by vitiligo