Continuous research into vitiligo is being conducted and here and there the results are promising. This became apparent at the 2019 members day in Amsterdam, where almost all experts in the field of vitiligo were present.

It was impressive how many renowned scientists and specialist doctors from the Netherlands and Belgium came to this day of Vitiligo.nl. This shows how much importance these experts attach to the patient association. They also said this in so many words during their presentations in the lecture hall of the AMC. Hundreds of Vitiligo.nl members had come to Amsterdam from all over the country to hear the latest news about research and treatment.

Latest discoveries
There was of course a lot of interest in the development of new means in the fight against the spots. Leading dermatologists Dr. Marcel Bekkenk and Dr. Albert Wolkerstorfer discussed this. They showed what has been discovered and researched in recent years, but they still had to dismiss some of the resources launched from America as 'false hope.' Only the studies with so-called JAK inhibitors are hopeful for Bekkenk and Wolkerstorfer. That is still in the future, because these drugs are not yet on the market and further studies have yet to be started. But the first studies in America seemed to have an effect. There is also an article about these remedies in the latest members magazine of Vitiligo.nl, the September issue of Spotlight!

No more camouflage
The presentation by Sharista Lachman, who is herself a member of Vitiligo.nl, was also impressive. She said that she opted for camouflage for at least 15 years because she did not dare to show the striking white spots on her face. Thanks to a meeting of Vitiligo.nl, she dared to stop using camouflage. She says: 'I held myself captive for a long time. But now I see myself again. This is me, this is my face and I don't have to be ashamed of it.' She received a standing ovation and a lot of admiration for having the courage to openly tell her story.

Vlogging and stop motion
Other presentations in the Lecture Hall included thyroid disorders, which are often associated with vitiligo, research into transplantation methods and the psychological aspects of vitiligo. During the breaks, members could learn more at informative stands (for example about light therapy at home), or participate in a camouflage workshop or a photo shoot.

In the meantime, the children present with vitiligo discussed their experiences in another room, after which they could also participate in fun workshops. They learned to vlog and make videos with stop-motion technology. This is how the 2019 members day became a success for all visitors.

Nice for members of Vitiligo.nl: view the photos of this day in our private Facebook group.