Attention to what's going on 'under the skin'

Utrecht, June 23 – On Tuesday, June 25, World Vitiligo Day will mark the skin condition vitiligo worldwide. This autoimmune condition, which causes white spots on the skin due to loss of pigment, affects approximately 1% to 2% of people. “There are people who can accept vitiligo, others hide the skin condition. It is precisely the latter group that experiences more stress and is therefore more likely to develop psychological complaints. This may influence the further development of vitiligo,” says Paul Monteiro, chairman of patient association Vitiligo.nl.

In anticipation of World Vitiligo Day, the patient association organized an event last Sunday in the Metaal Kathedraal in Utrecht where particular attention is paid to that mental process, i.e. 'under' the skin. “Understanding and acceptance of vitiligo and those who have it is essential to breaking the stigmas surrounding this condition. That's partly why we have key speaker asked TV personality Mark Baanders, who also has vitiligo, to tell us how he deals with his vitiligo,” says Monteiro. Model Mo-Yccia, the Dutch Winnie Harlow, and the Belgian DJ Jana Vitiligo were also present to encourage the approximately two hundred and fifty people with vitiligo (and their family members) present. “They give vitiligo a platform and are an important source of inspiration for other people with vitiligo,” says Monteiro.

According to Monteiro, there are still plenty of challenges for the Vitiligo.nl patient association. For example, the association would like to see 'the healthcare chain have more knowledge about vitiligo' and 'try to better empathize with the psyche of people with vitiligo. And of course that an effective therapy becomes available. Monteiro: “Although it will not kill you, I would like to emphasize that the impact of this skin condition can be very significant for those affected by it.”

Fortunately, Monteiro has seen a positive change take place in recent years. “The attention to diversity, inclusivity and the body positivemovement, seems to be causing a change, especially among young people. Compared to a few years ago, we see that vitiligo is slowly becoming easier to deal with. “We will contribute to this during the event in Utrecht with various workshops, performances and presentations,” says Monteiro. For example, dermatologists talk about developments in the field of medicines, where important steps have been and are being taken.