What does having Vitiligo entail?
Sometimes, lack of self esteem
What type of Vitiligo do you have?
Nonsegmental
Which areas on you are lacking pigmentation?
Forehead and a little bit around mouth
When did you start noticing symptoms of Vitiligo?
2 years ago, on vacation got tanned everywhere and noticed that my forehead was white as snow.
When were you diagnosed with Vitiligo? How did your diagnosis help?
Back from vacay, went to dermatologist right away, that even just looking at my skin, she knew it was vitiligo.
Does anybody else in your family have vitiligo?
No
On a scale of 1 to 10, how much impact does Vitiligo have on your life?
2. Just the aesthetics in some days make me sad.
How does Vitiligo affect your day-to-day life?
I apply concealer to hide it. Just make me feel like a weirdo.
Do you proudly tell people that you have Vitiligo or is that something that you hope would remain more of a secret?
I talk about it, I just dont like people staring at it. Makes me loose my confidance. Thats why I hide it with makeup.
How quickly does it spread for you?
It remains the same since I was diagnosed.
What was it like growing up with Vitiligo?
I’m 33. Doesnt apply.
Have you experienced any sort of stigma for having Vitiligo? Did that take a toll on you? How did/do you deal with it?
Not that I noticed.
Have you had any treatment? How effective are they?
Yes, some ointment with steroids. Didnt work.
What are your thoughts on skin bleaching?
No for sure.
Have you lost opportunities due to having Vitiligo?
No.
What is your general outlook on your condition?
I have sarcoidosis, another autoimmune desease, that makes my lungs fill with granulomas. Vitiligo its the least of my problems.
Does Vitiligo affect your mental health?
Affects my self esteem sometimes.
How does Vitiligo affect your career?
It dont
How does Vitiligo affect your love life?
It dont
What did your parents do right and wrong, in raising a child with Vitiligo?
Does not apply
What are misconceptions about Vitiligo?
That it’s contagious.
What do you find is the biggest challenge of living with Vitiligo?
Super solar sensitive skin
What is the worst experience you had regarding Vitiligo?
People pointing to my forehead.
Are there things you like about having Vitiligo?
No.
What are things to NOT say or do to people with Vitiligo?
Stare.
How often do you meet other people with Vitiligo in real life?
Almost never.
Who are your favorite celebrities or characters with Vitiligo?
Winnie Harlow
What would you like to say to people with Vitiligo?
From all autoimmune desease this is one that only affects aesthetics. You can have a normal life
and there are ways to hide it, if you dont feel good about it.
What would you like to say to parents of people with Vitiligo?
Specially as kids or teens this could be really bad for a kid to handle. Bullying in that fase of life its really easy to happen. Be supportive and if needed you should seek mental help.
How do you wish our society would perceive and treat people with Vitiligo?
Like a different haircut 🙂
What would you like people to know about Vitiligo?
That its not contagious and no one asked to having it.