World Vitiligo Day observed at Life Westville Hospital
To commemorate World Vitiligo Day, on 25 June, locals gathered at Life Westville Hospital for an informative support group meeting.
SUPPORTERS of the World Vitiligo Society gathered at Life Westville Hospital to commemorate World Vitiligo Day on Saturday, 8 July.
The aim of the society is to create awareness of vitiligo and to spread the message that it is not contagious.
“It is not life threatening but creates immense psychological difficulties for the person afflicted with this condition,” said Dr Noufal Rabooee, president of the Vitiligo Society of South Africa.
He noted that people with vitiligo suffer from low self esteem, embarrassment, anxiety and depression, are discriminated against at work and find it difficult to find employment.
“The exact cause of vitiligo is not known but evidence suggests that it is an autoimmune disease, in which the body attacks its own pigment cells causing the colour loss,” he said.
Treatment is available through topical medication or phototherapy and surgical treatment is available for selected individuals.
The support group meeting covered not only the psychological aspects of vitiligo, but also new treatments, phototherapy and excimer laser.
It was announced that a school campaign would be rolled out and will include a distribution of informative posters, talks by dermatologists, patients and parents and a play.
“We are grateful to Mrs South Africa/Mrs World, Candice Abrahams, who spoke about her personal encounter with vitiligo in a family member,” said Dr Raboobee.
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