What is Vitiligo?

About Vitiligo

What is it?

Vitiligo is a skin disease that causes loss of skin color in patches. Vitiligo occurs when cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning. Vitiligo can affect all skin types, races and genders. Vitiligo is not contagious, it can not be spread from person to person. Vitiligo can also cause discoloring of hair (eyebrows, scalp, etc..).

Types of Vitiligo

The two main types of vitiligo are non-segmental and segmental. Non-segmental vitiligo results in white patches appearing on both sides of the body. Patches usually begin appearing around hands, feet, eyes or areas where skin rubs together frequently. Segmental vitiligo appears in one area of the body such as an arm or leg. It usually starts appearing when a person is young and it is less common than non-segmental vitiligo. Segmental vitiligo affects about 1 in 10 patients.

Is There a Cure?

There is no known cure for vitiligo. There are many common treatments that are available that can help reduce the appearance of vitiligo. But, these treatments are not able to fully cure vitiligo.

Does Vitiligo Cause Health Problems?

Vitiligo often dose not pose a serious threat to one’s health. But, Vitiligo can lead to eye problems, hearing problems, and sunburn. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, not just a cosmetic problem.

Sharing Their Stories: Dorcas Kemp

Her Experience With Vitiligo

Dorcas was 14 years old when she noticed her first vitiligo patch.

"Vitiligo has been more difficult for me in my late teens to adulthood. I never quite understood what it was," she said.

After high school, she sought out consultation and was diagnosed with vitiligo. Dorcas did not experience any bullying in high school but did receive mean comments from loved ones.

"It made me feel so low to hear someone that I truly loved tell me how he felt about me. I also had a family member tell me cruel things about my skin," she explained. A lot of people mistook Dorcas' vitiligo for burns or paint.

"I was ashamed of my spots for over 2 decades trying to mask them with oils, ointments, pills and any home natural remedies that I could find. Nothing worked," she said. Dorcas recalled that many people have tried to sell her different treatments for vitiligo, but these treatments aren't always effective because everyone's skin is different.

"As we speak, there are people inboxing me, asking me to try treatments or telling me about treatments they are developing for people with vitiligo to use. I turned them all down," she mentioned. Dorcas revealed that she has been appreciating the skin that she is in. She came out about her vitiligo 2 years ago.

"Having vitiligo doesn't bother me at all. I don't regret having it at all. To be honest, if I were to lose my spots, I would be devastated and lost. It's a part of me and I am loving every minute of it," she said. Dorcas says that she has a great support system. She is thankful and blessed to have people in her life who have encouraged her from day one.

Advice For Others With Vitiligo

"I just think that there is still little awareness about the skin condition. Some people may have a parochial take on it, but hey, many will always hate or fear what they do not understand. I want individuals who have vitiligo to know that they are not victims, but survivors. I want them to know they don't have to be afraid anymore, they don't have to hide anymore. We are all unique and should embrace the body that has been given to us all," says Dorcas.

Vitiligo effects about 1 percent of the worldwide population. June is vitiligo awareness month, help us spread awareness!