'Vitiligo is not contagious' : World Vitiligo Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 25 2022: As observed across the globe, the State too joined in observing World Vitiligo Day to raise awareness on Vitiligo.

World Vitiligo Day was observed under the theme 'Children, Research, & Hope for the Future' at Sangai Hotel at Nagamapal Lamabam Leikai today.

The World Vitiligo Day observation was organised by Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL), Manipur State Branch.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Nelson Elangbam, secretary of IADVL, Manipur State Branch said that Vitiligo is a condition where white patches are developed on the skin which is known as 'loss of skin colour' in doctors' language.

He went on to state that a number of people are affected by Vitiligo across the globe including renowned politicians, film artists and personalities.

World Vitiligo Day observed

World Vitiligo is observed on June 25 every year to commemorate the death anniversary of Michael Jackson, the 'King of Pop' who suffered from Vitiligo, he added.

Elaborating on the theme of the observation, he said that the day is being observed to encourage and motivate the Vitiligo patients.

Dr Nelson also appealed to all not to stigmatise those who are suffering from Vitiligo as it is not a contagious disease.

As a part of the observation, Dr Chitralekha Keisham, Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, JNIMS gave a detailed presentation on the topic 'Facts and Myths of Vitiligo' while Dr Nelson Loitongbam, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, JNIMS spoke on 'Psychosocial burden of Vitiligo' .

The observation concluded with an interactive session among the doctors and patients.

Vitiligo Society, Manipur organised World Vitiligo Day observation at Lobia hall in Spoon building, Dewlahland today.

Delivering the keynote address, Senior Dermatologist, Dr Karam Lokendro said that people tend to treat Vitiligo patients differently since they are not well aware of the condition of Vitiligo.

He further informed that Vitiligo is a condition when white patches develop in the skin due to skin discoloration and no other body parts are affected except the skin.

Affirming that Vitiligo is not contagious and does not spread through contact or eating together, he appealed to all not to treat the Vitiligo patients with love, care and respect rather than treating them indifferently.

During the observation, Senior Dermatologist Dr Salam Bocha, Professor Dr Shantibala of Psychiatry Department JNIMS, Dr Tennyson of Yoga and Nature Cure, AYUSH Directorate and Yoga instructor, Aken spoke as the resource persons.