Vitiligo.nl: annual members day about science and research

240,000 people suffer from skin disorder

Published: 18-09-2019 | 15:51:44 Photo: Krista Simons

HORN GUIDE | What are the latest options for treating vitiligo? How is the pigment disorder related to other autoimmune diseases? The members of Vitiligo.nl will be informed about this on Sunday, October 6, at the annual members day.

That afternoon, pigment specialists from the Netherlands and Belgium will take members by the hand and tell them about recent and future developments in the treatment of vitiligo. Co-morbidity – the connection with other autoimmune disorders – is also discussed, as are the psychological aspects of skin abnormalities. The experts give short presentations and attendees will learn a lot in just a few hours.

Vitiligo.nl provides a separate youth program for the younger members of the association. They can participate in two of the following four cool workshops: vlogging, 3D drawing, street beats and stop motion. A young member talks about her experiences and dealing with vitiligo.

What is vitiligo?

In the Netherlands, an estimated 240,000 people have vitiligo. Most specialists suspect that the skin disorder is caused by an error in the immune system: the body attacks its own pigment cells. This creates white spots that differ in size and shape. They can occur on the whole body or on part of it; and hairs that grow on white spots often turn white.

The visible (particularly on the face), but also less noticeable white spots can make people feel insecure. Growing children in particular sometimes experience being bullied. Some then withdraw, for example when exercising in short clothing. Or they wear covering clothing on hot days. Camouflaging allows people with vitiligo to cover their skin; or they hope that pigment will return by following a time-consuming light therapy.

Register for membership day

Members of Vitiligo.nl have now received an invitation by email. Are you not yet a member, but would you like to be there on October 6? You can register for 28 euros per year and you can quickly register for the members day in Amsterdam (which lasts from 12 noon to 5 p.m.). On www.vitiligo you can read more information about membership and of course you will find more details about the program on the members day and of course about vitiligo.

What does Vitiligo.nl do?

Since 1990, Vitiligo.nl has been the interest organization for and by people with this pigment disorder. She represents their interests with healthcare providers. The association is committed to research into its cause and better treatment. She also contributes to increasing the recognition and understanding of vitiligo with actions such as on World Vitiligo Day (25 June).