[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E409-E410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RAISING AWARENESS OF VITILIGO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2001

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
bring attention to a skin condition called Vitiligo. Vitiligo is a skin 
condition of white patches resulting from loss of pigment. This disease 
can strike anyone at anytime, and it is both genetic and environmental.
  The typical Vitiligo macule is white in color, has convex margins, 
and appears as though the white areas were flowing into normally 
pigmented skin. The disease progresses by gradual enlargement of 
individual macules and the development of new white spots on various 
parts of the body.
  Vitiligo affects between one and two percent of the population, 
regardless of sex, race, or age around the world. An estimated five 
million Americans are afflicted with Vitiligo. The more dark-skinned a 
person is, the more their Vitiligo stands out. Because of the contrast 
between affected and unaffected areas of skin.

[[Page E410]]

In half of all Vitiligo cases, onset occurs between the ages of 10 and 
30. There are, however, reported cases of Vitiligo present at birth.
  Over 30% of affected individuals may report a positive family 
history. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to Vitiligo. 
Many patients attribute the onset of their Vitiligo to physical trauma, 
illness or emotional distress, such as the death of a family member.
  Treatment of this disease is essential. Vitiligo profoundly impacts 
the social and psychological well-being of its victims, especially 
children. Although, this disease is painless, the disfigurement of 
Vitiligo--accentuated among persons with dark or tan skin--can be 
devastating. Raising the public's awareness of this disease and its 
known treatment will bring relief to those who suffer from Vitiligo.
  April has been declared Vitiligo Awareness Month by Governor Jeb Bush 
of Florida. The American Vitiligo Research Foundation, located in my 
district in Clearwater, Florida, is holding a seminar in April to bring 
attention to this disease. This is an opportunity for researchers and 
doctors to discuss and share information about Vitiligo. The seminar 
will also afford children with the disease the opportunity to 
understand that they are not alone.
  I would like to thank Stella Pavlides of Clearwater, Florida, who 
brought this disease to my attention, and I commend her dedication to 
educating the public about Vitiligo. Although this disease does not 
physically harm a person, it can destroy one's spirit. Increased public 
awareness is the only way to help reduce the discrimination experienced 
by patients living with this disease.

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