When I was first diagnosed in 7th grade (15 years ago) I used a topical steroid cream... then decided that I didn't want to be using something forever. I decided to embrace my pasty side. I did use make up for a few years to cover visible spots, then found I didn't like wearing it all the time and it was difficult to blend due to my freckles. Around this time I discovered that my spots would glow under a blacklight and found new spots this way. (neat party trick) I will admit to getting tattoos to hide my chest spots... the lack of pigment makes the color vivid and I truly love my ink! I realize that compared to dark or meduim complected people I have it easy but, has anyone else decided to embrace their spots?
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i am not seeking any treatment at all.i only consulted 1 dermatologist and i realized i knew more than her about vitiligo.she only gave me a kind of soap.and thats it.no creams or anything to apply.but i see small repigmentation,am taking vit.B-12 and folic acid,sunlight and i use aloe vera to my white spots.
The spots that weren't so noticeable at first... like on my tummy or legs. Like Steve, I'm fairly pale and most of my spots are only visible due to a lack of freckles.
Yes! I do not wear make up. I only wear it when i teach so the kids don't think I am a horrible burn victim. It is more for them than for me. I got really tired of hiding it (never did a great job anyway) so I just go out without make up. The only thing that gets me is when i don't wear sunscreen in the summer and I pay for it big time. I got used to the stares. I do not seek treatment. Someday I will see the cure on CNN and then throw a friggin party but until then, what you see is what you get. I HAVE to try the black light thing! How interesting is that? very cool!
im tatooing my elbow vitiligo this year. the ink im getting done is alot more extensive than my vitiligo, im just really into tats, i think body art is sexy.
theres not a whole lot i can do about my hands. theres a social stigma with vitiligo just like theres a social stigma with tattoos. so either way really, people will always stare at my hands.
I'm considering permanent make up for my lips, but only after my tats are completed. And as for the solitary white spot on my cheek well... it can make itself at home i guess.
I just wanted to clarify something, when I started getting tattoos it wasn't for the purpose of covering my spots. I've always loved tattoos and I frequented tattoo shops long before I ever got ink of my own. Over the years I found that the ink is very vivid when it's done on the spots... my artists love it! Ever since I saw Ani DiFranco's chest tattoo I always wanted one. Conveniently, my first spot was on my chest and later grew to look like a reverse ink blot Batman logo. So, my chest piece does hide my most noticeable spots and I freaking love the tattoo.
Whether you choose to cover your spots or let them shine, you are a unique and wonderful individual. Don't ever forget that.
Dear Crysti B, I heard of several people doing the same thing (Getting Tattoo's over or on the Vitiligo spots) Vitiligo brings out the Tattoo Ink and makes your skin more exotic, People who do this are not trying to hide their Vitiligo just figure that if they get a Tattoo on their Spots it will make them more unique and exotic and I agree with you 100% because I thought about doing the same thing, there's was a guy who I read about a few years ago who had his whole body Tattooed because his Vitiligo was so extensive and people pay so much more attention to his Tattoo's than they do too his Vitiligo, simply because they barely see the Vitiligo because of the Tattoo's.
I have had vitiligo for 20 yrs. I decided not to take any treatment. I'm letting nature take its course. I dont wear make up to conceal. Why? For me its a waste of MY time. I realize the more you try to cover, the more people will see. My spots in time will spread and the longer it will take to cover. Then when I am totally depigmented, then what? The only thing vitiligo will take from me is my natural color. Thats all. I have spots on my legs, arms, and facial area In the summer I wear capris and shorts, and short sleeve shirts. I live in the South and it gets hot here and I refuse to cover up and die of a heart stroke just because we have ignorant (some by choice) people. I watch a show called TABOO and I see people from all around the world with major skin and other health problems and shows like that keeps me humble.
My spots are very noticable, but I like to be noticed! It is the Narcissist in me! LOL
But in all seriousness, I have embraced my "spots" and encourage other fellow "vits", as I respectfully call us with Vitiligo, to do the same! If you accept your spots, and if you accept who you are, you can come to the realization that you are a person that is living with Vitiligo, and not allowing Vitiligo to live your life for you.
That is my platform, as a sitting member of the board of directors of the NVFI - National Vitiligo Foundation Inc. If anyone with Vitiligo would like to chat, please e-mail me. I am here to help.
Probably best to see a doctor. Not all white spots are Vitiligo, but a doctor can tell you. If you know anyone with a black light, shining it on Vitligo shows bright white and might be a clue.
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theres not a whole lot i can do about my hands. theres a social stigma with vitiligo just like theres a social stigma with tattoos. so either way really, people will always stare at my hands.
I'm considering permanent make up for my lips, but only after my tats are completed. And as for the solitary white spot on my cheek well... it can make itself at home i guess.
Whether you choose to cover your spots or let them shine, you are a unique and wonderful individual. Don't ever forget that.
Dear Crysti B, I heard of several people doing the same thing (Getting Tattoo's over or on the Vitiligo spots) Vitiligo brings out the Tattoo Ink and makes your skin more exotic, People who do this are not trying to hide their Vitiligo just figure that if they get a Tattoo on their Spots it will make them more unique and exotic and I agree with you 100% because I thought about doing the same thing, there's was a guy who I read about a few years ago who had his whole body Tattooed because his Vitiligo was so extensive and people pay so much more attention to his Tattoo's than they do too his Vitiligo, simply because they barely see the Vitiligo because of the Tattoo's.
But in all seriousness, I have embraced my "spots" and encourage other fellow "vits", as I respectfully call us with Vitiligo, to do the same! If you accept your spots, and if you accept who you are, you can come to the realization that you are a person that is living with Vitiligo, and not allowing Vitiligo to live your life for you.
That is my platform, as a sitting member of the board of directors of the NVFI - National Vitiligo Foundation Inc. If anyone with Vitiligo would like to chat, please e-mail me. I am here to help.
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