25th June is World Vitiligo Day on this day we are aware people of vitiligo, a condition where patches of skin lose their pigments It is also a long-life disorder that mostly affects 1% to 2 % of the population. People have the opportunity to educate people about the challenges faced by those with vitiligo and promote acceptance and support for affected individuals. In the year 2011, World Vitiligo Day was celebrated for the first time it is also known as Vitiligo Awareness Day’ or Vitiligo Purple Fun Day, as purple is the official colour representing the condition.
HISTORY OF WORLD VITILIGO DAY
During the year 1940s, for the first time, it was observed that vitiligo may be genetic as the disorder affected families. Later on in the year 2011, World Vitiligo Day was celebrated for the first time, with the inaugural event taking place in Lagos, Nigeria.
Famous well-known celebrity, Michael Jackson suffered from this condition and in the year 2009 June 25 he died Due to cardiac Arrest, thus in honour of his death World Vitiligo Day was observed.
World Vitiligo Day changed its headquarters from Rome to Detroit in the year 2013. Likewise, the movement has steadily grown over the years, from a handful of volunteers to 484,687 activists and 50+ clinics offering free skin check-ups in 17 countries as of 2024.
Similarly, many events are being hosted across the globe and another part of the awareness program is to help those with vitiligo to overcome any insecurities they have.
| 1550 B.C. (The First Mention of Vitiligo) | Vitiligo is first described in both pre–Hindu and ancient Egyptian texts that give a clear record of depigmentation. |
| 1st Century A.D. (Historical Text) | Celsus uses the word ‘vitiligo’ in his Latin book “De Medicina.” |
| 1050 — 1348 (Europe in the Middle Ages) | Vitiligo is unknown to Europe and is confused with leprosy and other disorders. |
| Late 19th Century | Doctors discover that there is no cure and the treatments available do not make an impact on the disorder. |
| 2015 (A Petition Gains Momentum) | Over 500,000 people sign the petition to ask the U.N. to officially recognize World Vitiligo Day. |
| 2022 (The Headquarters Move) | World Vitiligo Day’s international headquarters move to Mexico. |
-
There is no cure- Vitiligo is a lifelong disorder that can be managed by eating correctly, taking care of your skin by not exposing yourself to too much sun, using organic lotions, exercising, and reducing stress.
-
Various types of Vitiligo- There are different types of vitiligo, and these different types have different origins and causes.
-
Vitiligo is not contagious- It cannot be spread from one person to another via direct or indirect contact.
-
It occurs anywhere on the body- Can be found on the skin around the eyes, mouth, elbows, wrists, hands, and ankles.
-
Many famous people have vitiligo- Winnie Harlow, John Hamm, and Joe Rogan are some of the renowned celebrities who have the disorder.
FAQs
Where can I find more information about World Vitiligo Day?
This is the most topped question searched on Google, you can find more information about World Vitiligo Day on the official websites of vitiligo organizations, social media platforms, and through local events organized for the day.
Is vitiligo a common?
Vitiligo affects about 1% of the global population. It can occur at any age and in any ethnic group.
Is there a cure for vitiligo?
As of now, 2024 there is no known cure for vitiligo, but various treatments can help manage the condition and improve skin appearance.
When is World Vitiligo Day?
World Vitiligo Day is observed on June 25th each year to raise awareness about vitiligo, a condition where patches of skin lose their pigment.
Also, read more about National Strawberry Parfait Day – June 25, 2024
