Vitiligo as Disease Vs Vitiligo as Condition

The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being (and recently added emotional and spiritual wellbeing as other elements) and not just the lack of disease or infirmity. A disease is a condition that affects the normal functioning of an organism, either physically or mentally. Diseases can also affect the quality of life and well-being (pain, dysfunction, distress, social problems,) of the person who has it and those around them. Vitiligo is seen as a condition and not a disease because it does not harm the body’s health or functioning. However, considering other aspects of health and disease mentioned above (mental, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing as per definition of health and distress, social problems impact on quality of life caused by a disease), it should be regarded as a disease and not just a condition. It’s definitely a disease for those who are seeking treatment because they are affected by it psychosocially even though they don’t have any physical pain or irritation. Vitiligo can be a just condition for those who have accepted it and learnt to live with it. Vitiligo is not a life-threatening disease but it is definitely life altering medical condition.