New Delhi: The World Vitiligo Day is observed on June 25 aiming to raise awareness about this skin disease which causes white spots due to pigment loss.
What is Vitiligo
Affecting 1-2 per cent people globally, vitiligo disrupts the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This disruption leads to the development of white patches on various body areas. While the exact cause of vitiligo remains unknown, researchers believe that vitiligo appears following a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Vitiligo can appear anywhere on the body, but it commonly affects areas exposed to sunlight, such as the face, hands, feet, and around the genitals. It can also appear inside of the mouth and the eyes.
Vitiligo can affect people of any age and gender. It can occur in individuals of any racial or ethnic background. While it can develop at any age, it often first appears between the ages of 10 and 30. It affects both men and women equally.
History of World Vitiligo Day
The World Vitiligo Day was first celebrated in 2011. The day was initially called Vitiligo Awareness Day or Vitiligo Purple Fun Day because purple is the official colour representing the condition. The day was dedicated to the late American pop-star Micheal Jackson, who had vitiligo. Jackson died on 25 June 2009, and so World Vitiligo Day is observed on 25 June, in his honour.
Significance of World Vitiligo Day
