Meet Lulu

6 months after having my first child my first spot appeared on my face. I thought I was lacking vitamins but as the months went on I found myself applying more and more concealer. Applying makeup was new to me as I had never really worn any.

When the Dermatologist diagnosed me with Vitiligo and told me my insurance would not cover the treatment because it was considered cosmetic, I felt hurt and confused. How could a professional tell me this was cosmetic?

I did some research only to find two books. One book was written by someone who had it and the second reference was the encyclopedia, there was nothing that gave me hopes to repigment or guide me as to how to deal with my mental health.

I felt as if no one understood how I felt.

My husband and girls were very supportive and encouraged me to walk out of the house without covering up but that was very challenging. I didn’t even have the courage to face extended family or without being covered up but covering my vitiligo didn’t stop me from crying and feeling depressed. The many times I looked myself in the mirror only brought hurt and sadness.

The more my vitiligo spread the more I covered, I wore long sleeves blouses and sweaters even on hottest days, I was afraid to be pointed out or stared at. I had very low self esteem and definitely did not feel attractive or beautiful.

In June 2019 I attended my first in person vitiligo meet up, immediately I felt understood and comfortable in my own skin being surrounded by others that looked just like me. 2 months later I called my dermatologist that I would be taking a break from my 4 year UV light therapy treatments.

There are things I would have done differently had there been more education and support for the vitiligo community.

This is the reason I believe it’s important that you connect with vitiligo support groups in your area.

A friend once told me “The color of your skin doesn’t define you, what defines you is your intelligence, integrity and kindness. We are all beautiful it’s a matter of just seeing it for yourself”.