World Vitiligo Day
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Where is World Vitiligo Day observed?
On June 25, the world commemorates World Vitiligo Day.
Who is World Vitiligo Day observed by?
This day is observed by the vitiligo community, vitiligo patients, and anyone who would like to raise awareness of this medical condition.
When did World Vitiligo Day first start?
The first World Vitiligo Day took place in 2011 and it has since become an annual global event. It was held in honor of Michael Jackson, the late King of Pop, who died on June 25, 2009, and was believed to be a person with vitiligo.
Who started World Vitiligo Day?
The campaign started from the commitment of non-profit organizations, Vitiligo Research Foundation (USA) and Vitiligo Support and Awareness Foundation (Nigeria), as well as their supporters around the world, to bring this unknown condition to the attention of the public and to highlight the issues encountered by vitiligo patients.
History And Timeline
Vitiligo is a skin ailment that causes patients to lose their skin color and acquire lighter skin tone in some areas. The idea for Vitiligo Awareness Day was conceived by Ogo Maduewesi of Lagos, Nigeria, in 2011.
He organized a Vitiligo Purple Fun Day at a local shopping mall with a small group of activists. They selected June 25 to memorialize Michael Jackson's death.
Mention Of Kilasa
Kilasa was first mentioned around 2200 BC, during the Aushooryan dynasty. Kilasa, or external kushta (vitiligo), and leprosy were both mentioned in Ayurveda as having a similar pathology. All skin diseases in Ayurveda were given the suffix 'kushta.'
2200 BCEgyptian Medical Document
Vitiligo is said to have been first mentioned in an Egyptian medical document called the Ebers Papyrus around 1500 BC.
1500 BCBeliefs Of Ancient Greeks
The Ancient Greeks believed that vitiligo does not happen because of the lack of any cells in the body. Rather, they believed there were other reasons behind vitiligo developing.
Fifth Century BCKorean Painting
A high-ranking government official with vitiligo on his neck and face is seen in a 17th-century Korean painting, demonstrating that his complexion did not prevent him from achieving authority.
17th CenturyStudy Of European Scientists
The understanding of vitiligo was considerably expanded by European scientists in the second half of the 1800s. Moriz Kaposi, an Austrian scientist, was the first to notice the lack of color in skin cells in the 1870s.
In the same decade, a Norwegian doctor called Gerhard Hansen discovered that leprosy is caused by bacteria. These developments aided in the differentiation of the two illnesses.
1800Traditions And Customs
As a tradition, dermatological society and doctor volunteers conduct free skin checks on this day. They also hold public educational events. Conferences, parades, marches, and other activities are also organized by vitiligo research and support groups.
You may raise awareness to people about the diagnosis and new treatments available for the disorder.
Ways To Observe World Vitiligo Day
To observe this day, you may read about different people and celebrities who have experienced this skin condition.
Do some research on vitiligo so you can create awareness among people on this diagnosis and available effective treatments and clinical management.
Read a book to your child to educate them about vitiligo.
Facts And Stats
- On June 25, the 11th annual World Vitiligo Day (WVD) will be commemorated, with Indonesia serving as the host country. 'Embracing Life with Vitiligo' was the theme for 2021. Another major topic for 2021 was that vitiligo patients have the same COVID experience as everyone else and should not be afraid of immunization.
- On June 25, we are encouraged to think about equality for people of all different skin tones. The 2020 World Vitiligo Day theme was SELF: Love, Awareness, Care, and Respect. World Vitiligo Day has migrated online as the world grapples with a global pandemic.
- With 5.5 million people participating online, World Vitiligo Day 2020 set a new record.
- In 2011, Ogo Maduewesi, Founder and President of Vitiligo Support and Awareness Foundation (VITSAF), organized the first Vitiligo Awareness Day, also then known as Purple Fun Day.
- 'The Mental and Medical Journey of Living with Vitiligo; The Journey Begins with Me!' was the 2019 theme for World Vitiligo Day held in the United States. Lee Thomas, a four-time Emmy nominee from Fox2TV in Detroit, TX; Valarie Molyneaux, founder of VITFriends in Boston, MA; and Natalie Ambersley, founder of the UK Vitiligo Society were among the many recognized visitors.
What is the significance of World Vitiligo Day?
This day was created to raise awareness about vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder that causes white spots on the skin.
What is the history and origin of World Vitiligo Day?
Steve Hargadon, the originator of the Vitiligo Friends network, came up with the concept for a World Vitiligo Day, which was later developed and approved by Ogo Maduewesi. The first World Vitiligo Day (also known as Vitiligo Purple Fun Day) was commemorated on June 25, 2011.
The date of June 25 was chosen as a tribute to Michael Jackson, the late musician.
How does this day affect people psychologically and emotionally?
Vitiligo is not infectious, and while it is painless, the psychological and social consequences can be devastating, leading to depression, mistreatment, and isolation. Vitiligo patients are more susceptible to sunburn, skin cancer, visual issues, and hearing loss.
The goal of this day has changed over time, from raising vitiligo knowledge to highlighting the social neglect, bullying, psychological agony, and handicap that millions of people with vitiligo experience.
How is World Vitiligo Day different from World Psoriasis Day?
World Vitiligo Day is observed every year on June 25 to honor people with vitiligo. It's also a day to raise awareness about this skin disease around the world. Vitiligo is a condition that results in the loss of pigment cells known as melanocytes.
October 29 is World Psoriasis Day, which highlights the difficulties faced by people who suffer from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is a skin condition caused by an overactive immune system. It is characterized by rashes on the skin.
When Is This Day Celebrated
- Thursday, June 25, 2020
- Friday, June 25, 2021
- Saturday, June 25, 2022
- Sunday, June 25, 2023
- Tuesday, June 25, 2024
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