Coping with Vitiligo is a long and lonely journey due to the burden of managing the condition on a daily basis. Society and support groups can be essential for vitiligo patients when it comes to offering emotional support, social support, and easy access to an extensive information base.

This way, the person gains a better understanding of their illness and a greater sense of self-esteem, confidence, and control. Here are 8 vitiligo societies and support groups around the world that have changed and improved many lives.  

Global Vitiligo Foundation

The organization was established in 2011 and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with vitiligo through empowerment, education, clinical care, research, and community support. It is located in Chicago, IL, USA.

The Global Vitiligo Foundation tries its best to create a world where the vitiligo burden is managed and eliminated through compassion, care, and cure.

Vitiligo Research Foundation

Vitiligo Research Foundation was founded in 2010 by Dmitry Aksenov to help his daughter, who was suffering from vitiligo. It is a non-profit organization located in New York, USA.

Vitiligo Research Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for vitiligo to end the suffering of millions of people living with the condition through research, education and support. It works with top specialists who diligently work to unlock the secrets of vitiligo.

Vitiligo Association of Australia

The Vitiligo Association of Australia is a not-for-profit association established in 2010. It welcomes anyone with the illness to participate in its affiliated patient support groups.

Essentially, the organization aims to:

Provide online and telephone support to patients and families with vitiligo

Increase public awareness of vitiligo

Minimize or eliminate the social stigma of vitiligo

Help in the development of international collaboration in vitiligo education and research

Represent Australia at international forums on vitiligo, among others.

Vitiligo Society

The organization was founded in 1985 to support individuals suffering from vitiligo in London, United Kingdom. Vitiligo Society aims to fight vitiligo by getting rid of the physical, psychological, and social effects that it cause to people’s lives together with finding quite effective treatment and cure.

It solely focuses on 5 things below:

• Inform as well as contribute to most recent vitiligo research
• Provide latest information on vitiligo
• Develop, monitor, and invest in support services
• Be a strong and far-reaching voice for the community
• Reach out to everyone who needs them or their help

Vitiligo Support and Awareness Foundation (VITSAF)

VITSAF is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization based in Lagos, Nigeria. The organization is committed to helping people vitiligo patients in Nigeria and West Africa. Its mission is to provide public awareness through education, entertainment, guidance, and counseling.

It was formed to bolster the lost confidence and the low self-esteem, stigmatization, and segregation experienced by vitiligo patients.

Vitiligo International Patient Organization Committee (VIPOC)

VIPOC is a global alliance for vitiligo patient organization established in 2018 and is based in Paris, France. It is a non-governmental organization that was formed during the first Vitiligo International Patient Organization Conference.

Its objectives are to improve the lives of vitiligo patients, provide them with the information and support they require, promote understanding, recognition, research and work on cures for vitiligo.

Aarus Foundation

The organization is a vitiligo awareness support group established by Akash Tiwara, who faced stigma and social pressure due to his vitiligo condition. It is located in Mumbai, India, and is dedicated to making the world a better place for everyone.

Aarus Foundation relentlessly works to spread vitiligo awareness and restore confidence and self-esteem to patients. It inspires society to not only embrace vitiligo as a harmless thing but also help reduce negativity.

Vitiligo Association of Sweden

The organization is a non-profit and non-politically independent association of vitiligo patients. Its goals are:

• Strengthen its members in their daily life
• Make vitiligo visible to the public as well as influence health care 
• Follow along with support research for vitiligo treatments

Vitiligo Association offers a great way to physical, emotional and social support and always updates its members on what is happening in the company and vitiligo world.

Final Thoughts 

Vitiligo society or support groups bring individuals suffering from the condition together, offering an opportunity for them to share personal experiences and feelings. These groups fill the gap between medical treatment and a need for social and emotional support, which is essential to patients.

If you suffer from vitiligo, be sure to look for a vitiligo society or support group around you to improve your mental, emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. You will clearly understand the condition and learn to cope with it.