In recent years, the global community has placed a greater emphasis on embracing diversity and inclusivity. This is reflected in the media, entertainment, education, and other spheres of life. With this mindset shift, it has become important to teach young children the value of inclusion and respect for diversity. One way to achieve this is through representation of people with visible differences.

A new product promises to help in the treatment of vitiligo. The new cream is called Pigmerise MD and it uses black pepper extract to stimulate melanocyte production.  

I would like to start off with a question. Have you embraced your vitiligo or are you still in denial?

It seems rather difficult to answer even for those who consider the matter to be internally resolved. Many persons who have accepted they have vitiligo turn on a regular basis to fashion and cosmetics for help in carrying out day to day activities.

I myself am very open about my spots BUT haven’t gotten over using foundation. Applied on face and hands when going to work or attending functions and events, it provides a shield from inquisitive eyes.

Home UV therapy is a type of patient centered alternative to office based treatments. Phototherapy was first introduced in 1979 as a treatment plan for psoriasis. The technique has been since adapted for controlling or curing vitiligo in the 1990s.

Loyola University of Chicago researchers have developed a genetically modified protein with potential in reversing the effects of vitiligo in mice.

The group of researchers led by Dr. Caroline Le Poole described their findings in an article published in  "Science Translational Medicine"

Previous studies performed by this group of researchers have shown that the HSP70i protein plays a vital role in the autoimmune response that causes vitiligo.

There are many theories regarding the causes of Vitiligo and the process through which this disease spreads, however studies have demonstrated that the loss of cutaneous melanocytes can be caused by decreased circulating and lesional skin levels of the naturally occurring melanocortin peptide hormone, alpha-melanocyte (α-MSH).

The key element of a UVB lamp is the PL-S 9W/01/2P tube. It produces narrow waveband emissions: between 305 and 315 nm with a peak at 311 nm - an effective waveband for the treatment of vitiligo.

Since the narrow band UV tube uses the same lamp caps and ballasts as general lighting lamps, we can fit the tube in a common desk-lamp and obtain the same beneficial results as we would from a dedicated UV lamp.

Have ever wondered how the vitiligo condition is perceived by others ? You may have sometimes noticed a long stare or have been asked some odd questions but what is someone thinking when seeing a person with visible loss of pigmentation ? 

The medication and treatments necessary to a vitiligo patient are long term and costly. Depending on the insurance company you are with, they may cover the price of medication, home treatment unit, doctor appointment fees, UV sessions in the doctor’s office or none of the above. The most helpful type of reimbursement is the reimbursement for the UV unit - a hand-held UVB unit may suffice for a patient with few affected areas but if your spots are widespread a panel type unit is necessary, with prices starting around 1000$.