A bill initiated in by Brazilian representative José Olimpio pursues hospitals to provide psychological assistance to people with vitiligo. The text proposes that psychological treatment could be offered after an initial assessment by a psychologist.

The Koebner phenomenon refers to the development of new lesions following skin trauma. This occurs in patients with certain skin disease in areas of traumatized but otherwise normal skin. The new lesions are clinically identical to those in diseased skin.

Some dermatologists recommend patients to cosmetically cover their vitiligo spots. This is associated with an improved quality of life since it reduces public stares or remarks. On the downside, covering up with makeup is time consuming - interfering with daily activities and in some cases, distress generating – the concern of permanently hiding something

Clinuvel, the company developing a new drug for vitiligo has published another press release. I've had the chance to ask Lacian Hay, Head of Clinuvel's Global Network and Communications a few questions not covered in the original text of the press release but of practical importance to vitiligo patients.

A new drug called Scenesse is being developed and tested by Clinuvel, an Australian company. Currently it is in phase II and III of clinical trials. Clinuvel states that it's product will be an effective therapy in nonsegmental vitiligo (symmetry in the vitiligo spots on one's body).

A clear date for it's commercial release is not yet known.

There comes a time in the life of every vitiligo patient when we ask ourselves: „Will my children develop vitiligo ?”
The frequency of vitiligo among siblings is 6.1% which is about 18 times higher then the usual population frequency, suggesting a major genetic component in the disease. The probability that a pair of twins will both have vitiligo is 23% indicating that a non-genetic component also plays a role. 

This year the San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milano will host the First World Vitiligo Congress, between 23-24 September.

Some of the known speakers will be:

Having a look at a recent press release I found out that a Loyola University Hospital researcher is focusing her research on finding a treatment for vitiligo. The interesting part is that she says this could also lead to a treatment for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Based on evidence that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, it appears that antioxidant supplements are helping vitiligo patients regain pigment.

In the November 2008 issue of Dermatology Times, dr. Pearl Grimes, one of the scientists working to find a cure for this skin disorder, says that based on clinical trials she recommends her vitiligo patients the following vitamins: