The Department of Dermatology, PGIMER organized World Vitiligo Day at LT-1, Nehru Hospital at 10.00 am. Vitiligo (leucoderma) affects 1 to 4% world population and this is not very well researched disease. This disease has huge psycho-social stigma attached to it and there are many misconceptions about this disease. In India and perhaps elsewhere also men, women and children with vitiligo face severe psychological and social problems. It is more severe in the case of young women and children. There are various myths about this disease like unnecessary dietary restriction and social stigma attached to it.
Theme : Vitiligo : Educating the Mind and the Heart
As theme of the meeting suggests, we wanted to reduce the stress associated with this disease.
One info-advertisement on vitiligo was released depicting that vitiligo patients should not feel stigmatized.
In an interactive session with patients, Prof Davinder Parsad presented in detail the information about vitiligo and how to cope up with vitiligo. Focus was on vitiligo awareness and to demystify the myths surrounding vitiligo so as to reduce stigma associated with this disease.
A short play on vitiligo was staged which depicted that vitiligo is not a contagious disease and it can be treated successfully.
The future of vitiligo research and treatment is very promising as we are expecting some breakthrough in the treatment of vitiligo. The Department of Dermatology, PGIMER, Chandigarh is recognized world over one of the best center for research and medical as well as surgical management of vitiligo. The department runs special clinic for vitiligo on every Friday which is offering innovative medical and surgical treatment of vitiligo and we are receiving patients from all over India and abroad. We are getting about 90 -100 vitiligo patients per week
