World Vitiligo Day 2023: World Vitiligo Day is celebrated on June 25 every year, since 2011. The anniversary of the birth of famous pop star Michael Jackson. He has openly discussed his struggles with vitiligo and has taken on various initiatives to raise awareness about the chronic skin disorder. Vitiligo Day aims to raise awareness, expand support and advocate for rights, and debunk myths.
What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigmentation or color. It occurs when the melanocytes, the skin cells that produce pigment, attack and are destroyed, causing the skin to turn milky white. It affects people of all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds, accounting for about 1% of the world’s population.
The different types of vitiligo are:
- generality
- Segment
- mucosa
- Focus
- Trichomes
- Universal
What are the different causes of vitiligo?
According to the National Institutes of Health, “Scientists believe that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys melanocytes. In addition, researchers continue to study how family history and genes may play a role in causing vitiligo. Sometimes an event like sunburn, emotional distress or exposure to chemicals can trigger vitiligo or make it worse.”
Vitiligo seems to be more common in people with a family history of it or with certain autoimmune diseases, including:
- Addison’s disease
- Pernicious anemia
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Thyroid disease
- Type 1 diabetes
What are the symptoms of vitiligo?
The first sign of vitiligo is usually a few small white spots or patches, which can then spread throughout your body. Loss of pigmentation, often referred to as loss of natural color or pigmentation, is the main sign of vitiligo. The following are some additional typical symptoms:
- The skin is patchy and often paler on the extremities.
- In areas where the skin is discolored, the hair may turn white.
- The lining inside the nose or mouth may lose pigment.
- Uveitis means irritation or swelling of the eye.
- Inflammation in the ear.
- Low self-esteem or poor self-image.
How to treat vitiligo?
There is no cure for vitiligo but there are several treatment options. Treatment for vitiligo is not necessary as the condition does no harm to your body and is purely cosmetic. Common treatments for vitiligo include:
- Medicine
- Light therapy
- Pigmentation reduction therapy
- Surgery
- Advise
- Immune mediators
- Leather camouflage
What are the preventive measures for vitiligo?
- Protect your skin from the sun.
- Wear breathable clothing.
- Use sunscreen every day inside or outside.
- Avoid cuts, scratches and burns.
- Never use tanning beds or sunlamps.
- Support your immune system with a healthy lifestyle.
- Take care of your mental health.
- Show love and support for other vitiligo patients.
- Don’t get tattoos.
World Vitiligo Day serves as a global platform to raise awareness, promote acceptance and support individuals living with vitiligo. This day empowers those affected to embrace their uniqueness and advocates for a world that celebrates diversity and inclusion by encouraging education, promoting research, and challenging stigma. society. It acts as a gentle reminder that regardless of one’s skin color or appearance, everyone deserves respect, acceptance, and an equal opportunity.
Important dates in June 2023
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: pagasa.edu.vn