World Vitiligo Day

World Vitiligo Day is observed on June 25 to build global awareness about vitiligo. Vitiligo is a skin disorder leading to loss of colour in the skin creating a variety of patterns on the skin from loss of pigment. Vitiligo is often called a disease instead of a disorder and that can have a significant negative social or psychological impact on patients. 

The first World Vitiligo Day was held in 2011 and has since become an annual, global event. The campaign was born from the determination of non-profit organizations VR Foundation (USA) and VITSAF (Nigeria), and their supporters across the world, to bring this “forgotten” disease into the public eye, and to shine a light on challenges faced by those suffering from vitiligo.

Over the years, its purpose has broadened from raising awareness of vitiligo to include recognition of the bullying, social neglect, psychological trauma and disability of millions of people affected by vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a disease that causes a loss of pigment cells called melanocytes. Up to 1% of the world’s population is affected by vitiligo. While it affects all genders and ethnic groups, it is more noticeable in those with darker skin. Vitiligo usually shows up in people between the ages of 20 and 30.

Early symptoms of vitiligo include:

• Premature graying of the hair on the scalp or the eyebrows.
• Loss of color on the inside of the mouth.
• Change in color of the eye’s retina.

The skin on any part of the body can be affected by vitiligo. Depigmentation of the skin usually begins on areas exposed to the sun. These body parts include the hands, arms, and face. For some people, vitiligo only affects a few areas of the body. For others, the loss of pigment occurs only on one side of the body. Some people might experience a widespread loss of pigment over the entire body.

Vitiligo only affects the skin. It does not cause sickness in the body. However, those with autoimmune disorders are more susceptible to vitiligo. This skin disease is also thought to be caused by genetics and environmental factors. While no cure exists, specific treatments help to improve the appearance of the skin.

The skin pigment cells are damaged when your skin is affected by wounds, burns, and sunburns. These can cause vitiligo. Hence, avoiding deep skin wounds and burns may help in the prevention of vitiligo. There is no cure for vitiligo, however, treatments can help restore pigment to affected skin.