Skin Colour: Vitiligo

Each of our speakers will begin by giving a short introductory talk. Then, in small groups, there’ll be the opportunity to listen and share experiences and views on treatment, and the underlying genetics of the skin condition vitiligo. We’ll wrap up with an informal question-and-answer session.

Vitiligo is a skin condition causing loss of pigment, resulting in irregular pale patches of skin. It affects around 1 in 200 people. What is it like to live with vitiligo in a society that does not tolerate people who appear different? How do affected people cope? What treatments are available, and how successful will they be?

Find out about recent scientific findings relating to vitiligo from cell biologist Dorothy Bennett. She tells us of her involvement in a ground-breaking scientific study, published in March 2007, into a genetic mutation thought to be one of the underlying causes of vitiligo. What might this discovery hold for our future understanding and treatment of this condition?

Maxine Whitton, lead author of the Cochrane systematic review on treatment for vitiligo, who is affected by vitiligo herself, will explain the management and use of various treatment methods for this condition.

Jane Watts, a specialist nurse in dermatology, gives us a clinical perspective of vitiligo, talking about her experience in dealing with affected individuals.

Finally, Daniel Britten of the Vitiligo Society tells us about how the society helps to raise awareness of vitiligo.

Join us for an informal evening of open and frank discussion.

This event is part of Museums and Galleries Month

Event organised by:
The Science Museum

Speakers

Dorothy Bennett, St George's Hospital Medical School, London
Daniel Britten, Vitiligo Society, London
Rita Patel, The Peepul Centre, Leicester
Jane Watts, Whipps Cross Hospital, London
Maxine Whitton, Vitiligo Society, London

Facilitator:
Maggie Semple, Chief Executive, The Experience Corps, London