Cloves Syndrome Awareness Day 2025 – Observed Globally on 3 August to Support the Rare CLOVES Disorder Community.
Important Days
Every year on 3 August, Cloves Syndrome Awareness Day is observed around the world to raise awareness of CLOVES syndrome—a rare congenital overgrowth disorder. First marked in 2010, the initiative aims to amplify early diagnosis, research, treatment access, and support for the estimated under 200 individuals globally affected by the condition.
- CLOVES is an acronym for Congenital Lipomatous Overgrowth, Vascular Malformations, Epidermal Nevi, and Skeletal/Spinal anomalies (including scoliosis). It causes excessive fatty tissue, skin birthmarks, malformed blood or lymph vessels, and spinal or bone defects—often present at birth but worsening with age.
- CLOVES arises from somatic mutations—most often in the PIK3CA gene during early embryonic development—resulting in a mosaic pattern of affected cells. As these gene changes do not impact germ cells, CLOVES is not hereditary, and usually occurs randomly rather than being passed from parent to child.
- Because CLOVES is so rare and symptom variability is high, many cases are missed or misdiagnosed—often as conditions like Proteus Syndrome or Klippel–Trénaunay. Awareness drives earlier detection, access to interventions like sirolimus and sclerotherapy, and regular monitoring for complications like Wilms’ tumour.
Main Point :- (i) Observed each year on 3 August, the day promotes public education, combats stigma, encourages medical research, connects families affected by CLOVES, and directs funding toward symptom management and life‑enhancing therapies.
(ii) Supporters engage through social media campaigns using hashtags like #ClovesSyndromeAwarenessDay, virtual and in-person fundraisers, community storytelling, and by hosting educational webinars. The CLOVES Syndrome Community, part of the Rare As One Network, runs coordinated annual campaigns to unite patients, medical teams, and researchers.
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