New treatment for Aussies with vitiligo

Vitiligo doesn't discriminate, no matter if you're black or white.

The autoimmune condition, which affects 100 million people worldwide, attacks a person's pigment cells and turn the skin white.

It affects all ethnicities and its most famous patient was pop star Michael Jackson.

Many Australians living with the condition, unlike the King of Pop, do their best to shy away from the spotlight and suffer in silence.

Maryrose, who didn't want her last name published, says the condition has affected her confidence and social life.

"I wanted to hide it all the time. It wasn't me," she told AAP on Wednesday.

"I cover when I go out. I don't go to the beach anymore unless I am surrounded by friends who support me."

Maryrose has been having specialised laser treatment three times a week for more than 10 years, despite an increased risk of skin cancer, to help return pigment to her skin.

The cause of the disease is unclear, but it is not genetic and is believed to be caused by a "badly behaved" immune system.

But doctors are now bringing advanced technology to Australia to help patients combat the condition.

First used in Europe over a decade ago, non-cultured cellular epidermal grafting helps return colour to white patches.

Dermatologist Michelle Rodrigues said the treatment has a 70 to 80 per cent success rate on selected patients.

Victoria will be the first state to offer the new technology.

The announcement came on World Vitiligo Day, first observed on June 25, 2011 to coincide with the date of Jackson's death.

Article shared from:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ 

Happy World Vitiligo Day

25 June marks the day when Beyond Vitiligo was launched, the day when we celebrate and remember those  with vitiligo and that's when the legend Micheal Jackson passed away. BV was formed as a self funding organisation and today the organisation is slowly growing.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite volunteers who would like to work with us in creating awareness and educating the communities on vitiligo. Wishing you all a Happy World Vitiligo Day and lets celebrate this day!!!

Gaone Tlhong

World Vitiligo Day: Petition

Dear Secretary-General,

Hear us as we speak with one voice about human rights, healthcare and education. We, the undersigned, are just the few of estimated over 100 million people living, working, taking care of children across the world with this neglected disease, vitiligo.

We contribute to every single industry and culture in the world. We are the rich and the poor. We are the face of the entire all neglected disease community. You find us in schools, hospitals, on TV and movies screens, sport arenas, and churches, while many went into seclusion and voluntary isolation from society.

Although, vitiligo has destroyed the lives of millions of individuals since recorded history, predominantly in the developing world, there is no cure in sight. But few diseases give rise to more fear and loathing than vitiligo, especially in dark-skinned people, in whom it can be strikingly prominent. And because it is not contagious or life-threatening, we often receive no support whatsoever from our national healthcare systems.

Thus, I support the initiative 25June and respectfully require the United Nations to

1. Urgently pursue multilateral efforts in vitiligo healthcare and education, and to

2. Designate June 25 as the World Vitiligo Day.

Mr. Secretary-General, please hear our voice. We know you can encourage Member States to respect our rights. Please pursue policies supportive of neglected disease collaboration, vitiligo in particular. This is central to the human rights and personal dignity of millions of women, men and children on this Earth.

If you believe in our cause, please follow the link below and sign the petition

http://25june.org/en/signatures/new