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Every year on June 25, people around the world observe World Vitiligo Day (WVD). This global event aims to raise awareness about vitiligo, a chronic skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation and results in white patches on the skin. Affecting around 0.5 to 2% of the global population, vitiligo is much more than a cosmetic concern. It often carries deep emotional, psychological and social consequences for those living with it.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing pigment. This leads to the appearance of pale or white patches on various parts of the body. While it can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age or ethnicity, it commonly first appears between the ages of 24 and 50.
Though vitiligo itself is not life-threatening, its impact on quality of life can be severe. Many individuals face stigma, social isolation and psychological distress. Studies show that nearly half of those with vitiligo experience clinical anxiety or depression. In some parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Africa, social attitudes can lead to discrimination in employment, marriage and other areas of life.
One of the biggest myths I still see is that vitiligo is contagious, which it’s not. This misconception fuels a lot of unnecessary fear and social stigma, especially in schools, workplaces, and even families.
Dr. Gurman Singh Bhasin, MD Dermatology, Director and Chief Dermatologist at Skinclarity, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
The hallmark symptom of vitiligo is the appearance of white patches on the skin. These patches may also affect hair, turning it prematurely grey or white. In some cases, the mucous membranes and even the inner layer of the eyes may lose pigmentation. While the exact cause of vitiligo remains unknown, several factors are believed to contribute:
Autoimmune response: The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy melanocytes.
Genetics: Around 30% of people with vitiligo have a family history of the condition.
Neurogenic factors: Nerve endings may release harmful substances that damage melanocytes.
Self-destruction theory: Melanocytes may produce toxic by-products leading to their own destruction.
Pediatric vitiligo often begins between ages 4 and 8 and can progress rapidly. Like adults, children may experience widespread social and psychological effects, including bullying, anxiety and low self-esteem. The Koebner phenomenon—where new patches appear following skin trauma—is more common in children. Early diagnosis and supportive therapy are critical to prevent psychological distress and to initiate timely treatment such as narrowband UVB, topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors, tailored to their age and condition.
There is currently no cure for vitiligo, but several treatments can help manage symptoms and improve skin appearance:
Camouflage therapy using makeup or dyes
Light therapy, especially narrowband UVB
Repigmentation treatments with topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors
Surgical interventions such as skin grafting
However, even after treatment, many individuals see a recurrence of symptoms within a few years.
To better understand the practical aspects of managing vitiligo, MedBound Times reached out to Dr. Gurman Singh Bhasin, MD Dermatology, Director and Chief Dermatologist at Skinclarity, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. He offered insights into the everyday realities of diagnosis, myths and treatment:
What are the most common misconceptions about vitiligo you encounter in your practice?
Dr. Gurman Singh Bhasin: One of the biggest myths I still see is that vitiligo is contagious, which it’s not. This misconception fuels a lot of unnecessary fear and social stigma, especially in schools, workplaces, and even families. Another one is the belief that vitiligo is caused by some “blood impurity” or by mixing milk with fish. Again, there is no scientific backing. These myths often lead patients to delay medical care and focus on restrictive diets or home remedies instead. I also come across both extremes: some patients expect a quick cure, while others believe vitiligo can’t be treated at all. The reality is, it’s a chronic autoimmune condition, but with early intervention, we can often stop the spread and even reverse pigment loss in many cases. The earlier we act, the better the outcomes.
Is skin camouflage still a recommended part of care? How do you balance cosmetic and medical interventions in patient management?
Dr. Gurman Singh Bhasin: Definitely, skin camouflage still plays a role, especially for visible patches that affect self-esteem, like on the face, hands, or neck. It’s not a replacement for treatment but a supportive option for patients to feel more confident while therapy is ongoing. I always look at vitiligo management in two parts: Medical: Where we focus on halting disease activity using topical immunomodulators, phototherapy (NB-UVB), oral mini-pulse steroids, and, in select cases, even JAK inhibitors. Cosmetic: Camouflage, depigmentation therapy for extensive cases, and procedures like melanocyte transfer or micropigmentation for stable, resistant patches. But more than anything, it’s about understanding the patient’s expectations. Some want to regain pigment, others just want to stop progression, and some just want to feel comfortable in their skin. Our job is to support them at every stage: medically, emotionally, and aesthetically.
Is early intervention important in vitiligo management? Can it slow or even reverse the spread of depigmentation?
Dr. Gurman Singh Bhasin: Yes, and that’s something I always emphasize. Early treatment makes a big difference. When we intervene in the active stage, we can preserve the remaining melanocytes and sometimes even reactivate pigment through phototherapy or immunomodulation. In fact, areas like the face and trunk, where there are more hair follicles, tend to respond really well to early NB-UVB or topical treatment. If we wait too long, those melanocytes may be completely destroyed, making repigmentation harder or even impossible. So yes, catching vitiligo early gives us a real chance at stabilising it and improving quality of life.
World Vitiligo Day (WVD) was initiated in 2011 by advocates Steve Haragadon and Ogo Maduewesi to honor those affected by vitiligo, with June 25 chosen in memory of Michael Jackson. The movement gained global traction when the Vitiligo Research Foundation joined efforts in 2012, promoting international recognition.
Since then, WVD has been observed worldwide, with rotating host countries raising awareness through education and community outreach. In India, early efforts by Dr. Savita Malhotra and later coordination by Prof. Davinder Parsad brought national alignment with global initiatives. The United States also adopted recognition, establishing WVD as a global movement for awareness and inclusion.
Early treatment makes a big difference. When we intervene in the active stage, we can preserve the remaining melanocytes and sometimes even reactivate pigment through phototherapy or immunomodulation.
Dr. Gurman Singh Bhasin, MD Dermatology, Director and Chief Dermatologist at Skinclarity, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
The theme for World Vitiligo Day 2025 is “Innovation for Every Skin, Powered by AI”. This year’s campaign highlights the potential of artificial intelligence to improve the lives of those with vitiligo. A key part of this effort is the use of vitiligo.ai—a multilingual AI-powered digital assistant that offers education, emotional support and personalized tools to users across the globe.
Other focus areas include:
Expanding outreach to underserved communities, especially in places with long dermatological wait times
Fostering partnerships between researchers and patient groups to ensure treatments align with real-world needs
Promoting inclusivity in digital health tools and awareness materials
As science advances and conversations around skin diversity grow louder, World Vitiligo Day serves as a powerful reminder that every patch tells a story—not of loss, but of resilience. And through continued awareness, empathy, and innovation, we move closer to a world where vitiligo is not hidden, but honored.
Vitiligo Research Foundation. “History of the World Vitiligo Day.” Accessed June 4, 2025. https://vrfoundation.org/news_items/history-of-the-world-vitiligo-day.
Patel, K. R., and R. J. Harris. “Psychosocial Impacts of Vitiligo: A Review.” Cureus 16, no. 2 (2024). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12037365/.
Vitiligo Research Foundation. “25june.org: History of Vitiligo Awareness Campaign.” Accessed June 4, 2025. https://www.vrfoundation.org/.
“Support Vitiligo Awareness Day.” Archived August 16, 2011. Web Archive. https://web.archive.org/web/20110816214530/www.picbadges.com/support-vitiligo-awareness-day/1863858/.
