The EADV (European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology), held in Milan from September 7 to 10, brought together more than 600 speakers in more than 170 sessions, presenting current qualitative research in dermatology and venereology. More than 13,000 visitors attended this conference. Vitiligo received a lot of attention. Lectures were given on topics including the pathogenesis of hypopigmentation, dealing with vitiligo, and the psychological impact of vitiligo.

During a session for nurses, part of the scientific program and organized by
Prof. Dr. Nanja van Geel from UZ Gent (Belgium), both dermatologists and nurses were able to participate.

In this session, Nanja van Geel discussed the topic 'Vitiligo in the clinical practice of a tertiary care centre', after which Sylvia Transez, (UZG nurse) gave a lecture on 'Nurses, the bridge between the vitiligo patient and their doctor'.

Subsequently, Paul Monteiro (chairman of Vitiligo.nl, Netherlands) gave a presentation about vitiligo entitled 'Vitiligo, life in contrast'.
Dr. Patrick Kemperman (psychodermatologist Amsterdam UMC, Netherlands) on the psychosocial impact of vitiligo ended this well-attended session

Paul Monteiro, also member of the steering committee of the VIPOC (Vitiligo International Patients Organization Committee) also presented the objectives of the VIPOC, a global alliance of vitiligo patient organizations, founded in 2018, and based in Paris.

The VIPOC's primary objective is for representatives of vitiligo patient organizations to share experiences and information with researchers, dermatologists, but also with representatives of the pharmaceutical industry.

In fact, the VIPOC builds a bridge between the world of patients and the world of science and the pharmaceutical industry.

During the EADV, several members (dermatologists) of the Vitiligo Task Force and also Paul Monteiro, as representative of the VIPOC, met in a special meeting for the international vitiligo guidelines. The aim is to have a final version of the globally agreed guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of vitiligo approved. It is important in these guidelines that the quality of life is also mentioned: the psychosocial aspects must receive more attention and, if necessary, intervention, guidance and support must be provided.

Presentation by Paul Monteiro during the EADV