Show your support on World Vitiligo Day
Gather at the Westville Hospital on 21 June to learn more about vitiligo.
WORLD Vitiligo Day is on 25 June and to commemorate this event, the Vitiligo Society of South Africa will host a support group meeting on Saturday 21 June at the Westville Hospital from 2pm to 4pm.
According to Dr N Raboobee, vitiligo is a skin disorder in which white spots or patches appear on the body and is the result of loss of cells which produce pigment in the skin.
“Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, in other words, the body’s immune system destroys its own pigment producing cells,” said Raboobee.
He noted that the disease affects between and one and two per cent of the world’s population and affects all races and both sexes, equally.
“Vitiligo is neither dangerous nor contagious. It does not cause pain nor any physical limitations. In fact, most people who have vitiligo are normal in every other respect. However, because of the high visibility of the condition, the cosmetic disfigurement can have devastating psychological effects on the individual,” he said.
Talks will be given by several dermatologists and a patient. There will be opportunities to ask questions and to interact with other people with vitiligo. Entrance is free and visitors are welcome, whether afflicted with vitiligo or not. Contact 031 265 1505 or email info@vitiligosociety.co.za.
A special theatre facility for non-cultured melanocyte grafting for vitiligo will open at the Westville Hospital on 25 June to mark World Vitiligo Day with the first procedures taking place between 17 and 19 September.
