Dermatologists are working internationally to develop a new scoring system for objectively determining the degree of pigment loss in vitiligo. The aim is to create a measuring instrument that is used in the same way all over the world and provides a reliable and correct assessment of vitiligo.

One of the dermatologists working on this is Professor Nanja van Geel of Ghent University Hospital. She was present at the members day of Vitiligo.nl in October 2017 and already explained what it was about. “Until now, dermatologists have measured, assessed and treated vitiligo in different ways,” she said. "We want to reach international consensus on this." Those present at the members' day were asked to complete a score form and questionnaire. These survey forms are used in the further development of the measuring instrument. From the first results, Van Geel concludes that not only the extent of the spots determines how serious the condition is, but also the skin type, the location of the spots and the reactions from the environment. This is an important insight that Dr. Van Geel takes into account in the international consultation.

Further in Spotlight!
In the recently published member magazine of VItiligo.nl, the magazine Spotlight! Nanja van Geel tells us more about the development of the new scoring system. The magazine was delivered to members on December 22. This extra thick issue also contained the story of Leo Pekaar from Zeeland, who candidly shows what his spots look like in the judo dressing room, and an article explaining the online activities of Vitiligo.nl. This includes the difference between the public and private Facebook page of Vitiligo.nl and the account on Instagram, which is managed by volunteer Chris Herben. He is still looking for reinforcement for this work. Interested? Then email him chris@vitiligo.nl.