World Vitiligo Day

The World Vitiligo Day, observed on June 25, is an initiative aimed to build global awareness about vitiligo, a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by the progressive loss of skin pigmentation due to melanocyte dysfunction. The condition affects approximately 1–2% of the global population and often manifests before the age of 30, with notable incidence peaks around ages 24 and 50. While not physically painful or contagious, vitiligo frequently leads to psychological distress due to stigma, discrimination, and misconceptions. Available treatments—including topical agents, UVB phototherapy, and surgical interventions—are often only partially effective, and about 40% of patients experience relapse within three to five years post-treatment. Recent drug approvals and late-stage clinical trials indicate improved treatment efficacy for certain patient subgroups.