Vitiligo is an acquired disorder of pigmentation characterised by white patches over the skin and mucosa. It affects 0.5 to 2 percent of the world’s population. It has a significant social and psychological impact not only on the patient but also on their families. Vitiligo can start at any age and affects both sexes and all races. The pathogenesis is multifactorial and consists of a combination of genetic, immunologic and environmental factors. A patient with vitiligo suffers no symptoms and the only complaint is areas of loss of pigmentation
The stigma associated with vitiligo is much more in India than in any other part of the world because of much baseless disinformation, fears and ignorance about the condition. The disease is not contagious and a person with Vitiligo can lead a normal married and sexual life. The disease is treatable with the various conventional and newer modalities of treatment available. The mode of treatment depends on various factors and the treatment modality and response to treatment is not the same for every patient. The earlier a patient seeks treatment, the better the results of the treatment. The role of society is very important to encourage persons with vitiligo to seek treatment and to avoid discriminating against them.
IADVL ( Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists ) observes “Vitiligo Day” on May 19th of every year to create awareness about this common pigmentary disorder and to dispel the various myths and disinformation associated with the condition.
IADVL Manipur State Branch joined the other parts of the country in the observation of Vitiligo Day 2013 and various activities were carried out in the process.
1. On 16th May 2013, a team of resource persons led by Dr Karam Lokendro, President, IADVL Manipur state branch, participated in the “Healthy India” programme of Doordarshan Kendra, Imphal and discussed about vitiligo. Dr Yumnam Lokendra Singh, Secretary, IADVL Manipur state branch and Dr Julie Leishangthem, Joint Secretary, IADVL Manipur state branch were other resource persons.
2. On 17th May 2013, Dr Yumnam Lokendra Singh, participated in a live radio phoning programme on vitiligo at All India Radio, Imphal.
3. On 18th May 2013, an expert team led by Dr Karam Lokendro participated in the “Meet the People on Vitiligo” programme of ISTV local cable network at Hotel Imphal. Dr Haobam Devendra Singh, past President, IADVL Manipur state branch, Dr Yumnam Lokendra Singh, Dr Ranjeeta Sapam, Treasurer, IADVL Manipur State Branch and Dr Julie Leishangthem were the other resource persons. Dr Sadhana Ningthoujam was the anchor of the programme. Vitiligo patients, media persons from various local newspapers and local television channels and people representing a cross-section of the general population were present in the programme. The resource persons interacted with them, answered their queries and clarified their doubts regarding the disease and the various treatment modalities available. This programme was broadcast as a repeat programme on the ISTV channel on 19th May.
4. On 19th May, a dynamic team of 25 persons, consisting of members of IADVL Manipur branch and volunteers, conducted a “Street corner pamphlet distribution campaign” in which pamphlets to create awareness about vitiligo and to dispel the various myths associated with the disease was distributed in 28 market places and adjacent streets in 3 districts of Manipur. A total of 10,000 pamphlets were distributed to the public.
5. On 19th May, the article “Facts and myths on vitiligo” compiled by Dr Karam Lokendro was published in 2 local English daily newspapers and 3 local Manipuri daily newspapers.