I am 32 female married living in London and have one son who is 2.
I have been diagnosed with hyperthyroid last year and this month with vitiligo.
I have it on my hands and I don’t still know how to cope psychologically with it!! I feel I need a friend to talk to, Share experience and reframe things in my head!
I would love your support guys❤️
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Hi Maria, I am 52 married male with 2 teenage girls. Got vitiligo years ago . Got stitches in chin from softball hit. White started few years later. Most face where beard would be is white. Spread over last couple years. Have white patches on both elbows and on top of hands. I tan easy so this is embarrassing. Always can feel people looking. I feel your pain..
I too was devastated , especially once it appeared on my face. I no longer have any anxiety regarding it, as I decided to completely depigment myself. I'm by no means suggesting you do the same; it sounds like right now the vitiligo is limited to your hands, in which case, depigmentation therapy would be an inappropriate option for you at this point.
Hi Maria, I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Got vitiligo years ago. Read it could be autoimmune or injury to body as a few causes. I got hit with a softball on my chin about 10 years ago. Had 12 stitches there. No big deal. Then started getting white spot there few years later. Then spread to small spot on each elbow. Over last couple years now, most of face lost pigment. Also spread to genitals and elbow spots increased. Embarrassing cause I tan easy. Just started to wear sunscreen and hoping doesn't get worse. Wish a cure was out there.
I'm sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. I am 55 and was diagnosed with Vitiligo almost 2 years ago. A very extreme case, covering 70% of my body! To say it was psychologically devastating is an understatement. I even went thru a deep depression. It was on my face/neck that bothered me the most. My Dermatologist suggested XTRAC laser for face and neck and after 6 months I repigmented. I continue to work on the rest of my body with my home UVB unit.
I understand your pain. Psychologically it can take a toll on you. Since you are recently diagnosed, speak with your Dermatologist about XTRAC or UVB therapy. Perhaps you can start treatment soon.
Hi Barbara,
Thank you so much for your reply.
I keep reminding myself of the good things I have in life and the fact I am not in pain and that I get to walk on my feet and do my own things without needing help! You are 100% right others deal with more terrible things!
I so far haven’t told my husband because I am not sure how would his reaction be !
Family support is crucial right?
Hi Maria, I have hashimotos and vitiligo, the white spots started showing up on me when I was in my late 40’s I think. I try to consider what other terrible things people deal with and try to put it in perspective. Although a bit disfiguring there isn’t any discomfort and nothing to feel like crusty skin etc. I used to tan and of course now I stay out of the sun, another thing I tell myself is maybe the vitiligo saved my life as I might have had skin cancer by now from tanning. I hope you have a strong support system, my family loves me and that’s what matters most. Hugs ❤️
Hi Ayasha,
Thank you so much darling for sharing your experience! I guess it easier when you have it at a younger age! You learn how to live with it.
Where are you from btw?
Replies
Hi Maria, I am 52 married male with 2 teenage girls. Got vitiligo years ago . Got stitches in chin from softball hit. White started few years later. Most face where beard would be is white. Spread over last couple years. Have white patches on both elbows and on top of hands. I tan easy so this is embarrassing. Always can feel people looking. I feel your pain..
Him Maria -
I too was devastated , especially once it appeared on my face. I no longer have any anxiety regarding it, as I decided to completely depigment myself. I'm by no means suggesting you do the same; it sounds like right now the vitiligo is limited to your hands, in which case, depigmentation therapy would be an inappropriate option for you at this point.
Thanks for reaching out to us.
Wishing you the best,
Jackie
Hi Maria, I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Got vitiligo years ago. Read it could be autoimmune or injury to body as a few causes. I got hit with a softball on my chin about 10 years ago. Had 12 stitches there. No big deal. Then started getting white spot there few years later. Then spread to small spot on each elbow. Over last couple years now, most of face lost pigment. Also spread to genitals and elbow spots increased. Embarrassing cause I tan easy. Just started to wear sunscreen and hoping doesn't get worse. Wish a cure was out there.
Maria,
I'm sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. I am 55 and was diagnosed with Vitiligo almost 2 years ago. A very extreme case, covering 70% of my body! To say it was psychologically devastating is an understatement. I even went thru a deep depression. It was on my face/neck that bothered me the most. My Dermatologist suggested XTRAC laser for face and neck and after 6 months I repigmented. I continue to work on the rest of my body with my home UVB unit.
I understand your pain. Psychologically it can take a toll on you. Since you are recently diagnosed, speak with your Dermatologist about XTRAC or UVB therapy. Perhaps you can start treatment soon.
Sue
Thank you for your advice I totally agree with you guys!
This means a lot to me ❤️
Hi Maria,
I totally agree with Sue. The sooner the better.
Also consider treating oxidative stress (free radical imbalance), which plays a big role on vitiligo.
Cheers.
Thank you so much for your reply.
I keep reminding myself of the good things I have in life and the fact I am not in pain and that I get to walk on my feet and do my own things without needing help! You are 100% right others deal with more terrible things!
I so far haven’t told my husband because I am not sure how would his reaction be !
Family support is crucial right?
Hi Maria, I have hashimotos and vitiligo, the white spots started showing up on me when I was in my late 40’s I think. I try to consider what other terrible things people deal with and try to put it in perspective. Although a bit disfiguring there isn’t any discomfort and nothing to feel like crusty skin etc. I used to tan and of course now I stay out of the sun, another thing I tell myself is maybe the vitiligo saved my life as I might have had skin cancer by now from tanning. I hope you have a strong support system, my family loves me and that’s what matters most. Hugs ❤️
Thank you so much darling for sharing your experience! I guess it easier when you have it at a younger age! You learn how to live with it.
Where are you from btw?
Hi Maria,
I have had Vitiligo since I was 8 (now 43) and Hashimoto's (diagnosed 2 years ago). I have 2 children and I am happy to share or just listen anytime.
Ayasha