Urmila Prabhu (52), who was recently diagnosed with Vitiligo, wanted to get rid of the social isolation and hence, started a support group. Pic/Suresh Karkera

For the last six months, Urmila Prabhu, a Mumbai-based teacher-turned-storyteller has had a hard time being seen in public. The 52-year-old was recently diagnosed with vitiligo, a medical condition characterised by chalky white spots on the skin. Despite being a painless and non-communicable medical condition caused by the destruction of melanin, the disease is known to cause emotional distress to patients due to the stigma attached to it.

"It sharply contrasts against darker skin tone and makes you stand out. It can be humiliating when people hesitate to sit next to you, refuse to shake hands and stare at you like you don't belong," she says.