World Vitiligo Day: Know All about the Conditions

Jakarta – The World Vitiligo Day falls on June 25th each year. It is an annual global event dedicated to raising awareness about vitiligo, a chronic skin condition characterized by the loss of pigmentation in patches of the skin. 

Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition characterized by the loss of pigmentation, resulting in white patches on the skin. The word vitiligo is derived from the Latin word "vitium," meaning "defect" or "blemish."

In vitiligo, the cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin, called melanocytes, are destroyed.

As a result, the affected areas of the skin lose their color and become depigmented, appearing as white patches that can vary in size and shape. These patches can occur on any part of the body, including the face, hands, arms, legs, and torso.

Vitiligo is not contagious or life-threatening, but it can have a significant impact on a person's appearance and self-esteem. 

The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, autoimmune, and environmental factors.

People at higher risk of vitiligo are those with certain autoimmune conditions, such as Addison's disease, anemia, type 1 diabetes, lupus, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease. 

Unfortunately, due to their different skin conditions, discrimination against vitiligans (vitiligo sufferers) is still often found in society. This includes being bullied, socially rejected, and even finding it difficult to get a job and being ostracized. 

Not only that, vitiligo sufferers also often experience psychological effects, such as being traumatized. In fact, it is not uncommon for vitiligans to want to end their lives. 

Therefore, this World Vitiligo Day aims to increase self-confidence for vitiligans. Also, it aims to raise awareness and support for individuals living with vitiligo, promote research, and foster a more inclusive and accepting society.