How These 7 Women With Vitiligo Are Embracing Their Skin
Vitiligo, a rare condition affecting only about 1% of the world population, causes the skin to lose its natural color. Patches of lighter skin appear, ranging from a few spots to sometimes covering most of the body. Vitiligo may also affect the pigment of other parts of the body including the hair, eyes, and inside of the mouth.
Scientists have not yet discovered the exact cause of the skin condition, but it is not contagious nor life-threatening. However, vitiligo can be life-altering in the sense that it can cause low self-esteem and may even lead to depression. The seven women below show that embracing their vitiligo and overcoming their fears has led them to lead more fulfilling and confident lives.
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Jam Davis
“I’m always smiling regardless of what I go through," Davis captioned one Instagram post. "Truth be told troubling times will always make me stronger, will continue [to] help me see real growth, and will show me no matter the circumstances I will always love myself! I will always accept myself…I’m different, I’m unique, and I’ve always accepted that since I was 8. I also want people with #vitiligo to know. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL DON’T LET ANYONE TELL YOU OTHERWISE!”
Tanesha Brown
Brown, who goes by @vitiligoqueen on Insta, wrote: “You know we all come here with something flawed. Nobody is perfect, but having #vitiligo is like you can see everything on the outside. Everything is so visible of what’s 'wrong' with me but vitiligo isn’t what’s wrong, it happens to be everything right… I represent for those of you who feel counted out because you don’t fit into social “norms” or a universal standard beauty. You can admire someone else’s beauty without questioning your own. YOU ARE ENOUGH!”
Boitumelo Rametsi
“Empathy and dynamic resilience are the companions that help get through the things of the world," Rametsi captioned a 'gram. "It may hurt but IT'S OKAY.”
