Abstract

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells that produce skin pigment so that people develop white patches on their skin. It is an idiopathic skin condition and one of the prominent chronic dermatoses having detrimental effect on quality of life of individuals affected with it. With the unprecedented arrival of Covid-19 pandemic, healthcare accessibility was the worst hit and individuals were no longer able to seek medical advice for getting treatment for the condition. This further exacerbated the psychological stress which plays a significant role in the onset, development and progression of Vitiligo. The objective of this study was to understand the relationship between stress and Vitiligo on the affected individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Interviews were conducted with individuals affected with Vitiligo in Kashmir. The paper employs a qualitative methodology to understand the relationship between stress and Vitiligo during the time of pandemic and how the affected individuals negotiated with it. Data analysis lead to the following emergent themes: (a) Escalation of negative emotions (distress) during the Covid-19 lockdown (b) Role of Teleconsultation: the new normal and (c) Role of Counselling. The findings confirm that living with Vitiligo is a constant battle. The affected individuals suffer an array of challenges and need acceptance and constant psychosocial support.