World Vitiligo Day, one of the rarest diseases
World Vitiligo Day is celebrated annually on June 25. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness about vitiligo and support people living with this condition.
Currently, about 2% of the Russian population lives with vitiligo. The course of the disease is slow but progressive. There is a violation of the synthesis of the skin pigment melanin, and in some areas of the skin the number of melanocytes sharply decreases, giving the skin its usual color. As a result, light, almost white irregular spots are formed, which stand out noticeably against the background of the usual skin color. The size and number of spots depends on the stage of the disease. Vitiligo occurs without inflammation and itching, and patients are only concerned about a cosmetic defect.
There is still no explanation for the causes of the disease. A genetic factor, transmission in the first degree of kinship, is not excluded, but only in 5% of cases. Autoimmune processes in the body tend to be the most likely cause of vitiligo. The changes depend on the individual characteristics of the patients' immune system.
It is impossible to completely cure the disease but appropriately selected treatment helps to stop the progression of vitiligo and gives a chance for a significant improvement in skin condition.