World Vitiligo Day

This day is celebrated in remembrance of Michael Jackson who suffered from vitiligo and died on 25^th June, 2009 to create global awareness about vitiligo. It encourages unity among the people with vitiligo to rule out the discrimination faced by them by the people and raise their voices and visibility in all the areas of life. Over 1% of the total world population suffers from vitiligo where it affects all the genders and ethnic groups especially in the age groups of 20-30 years.

Causes- Vitiligo is an autosomal disease that causes the loss of skin pigment cells called melanocytes. This causes the skin to lighten in patches across the body and face. It is often unpredictable but children born to both parents having this disease are more likely to develop vitiligo. This is non-communicable disease and around 80% of the people develop this condition before the age of 30 years.

Symptoms-

1. Depigmentation of the hair, skin and eyes.
2. Patch on the skin with no color especially on the inside of the mouth.
3. Premature graying of hair on the scalp and eyebrows.
4. Light sensitivity
5. Change in color of the eye’s retina.
6. Freckles and moles with light pinkish color due to reduced pigment.

Diagnosis and Treatment-

1. Physical examination of the skin
2. Electroretinogram for detect of light sensitivity in the eyes associated with vitiligo.
3. Micro-pigmentation also called permanent make up, is a tattooing procedure to treat vitiligo.
4. Protective sunglasses, clothing and sunscreens to protect from the UV exposure.

Genetic counseling to understand the inheritance of vitiligo in the family history.