Meet Rylee

Many cases of vitiligo are caused due to genetics; however my case is a bit different. I was two years old and got second degree burns due to a fire incident that occurred at home. It began with one spot on my lower stomach then eventually spread all over my body.

It wasn’t until I got to the age of 6 the insecurities began. I started to feel more self-conscious as I realized I stood out more than others. Summer days were difficult - every thirty minutes sunblock had to be applied from head to toe to prevent sunburns.

I attended a private school from kindergarten to second grade then transferred to a public school. At public school I began to be bullied for my vitiligo.

I was referred to as “cow” and often heard mooing sounds in the hallways. It was awful and depleted my self-confidence.

Vitiligo constantly evolved - I would get used to my skins’ appearance then it would change with more spots or less spots. In high school I finally began to accept my Vitiligo and viewed it as a blessing from God that made me unique. A coping mechanism for my Vitiligo is reassuring myself that it is not and never will be in my control. It does not define me as a person.

As far as for relationships, my friends constantly tell me they forget about my Vitiligo. Romantic relationships cause insecurities, but I remind myself my Vitiligo will help me find someone who is interested and attracted to who I really am rather than my physical appearance.

There have been many times I’ve been approached randomly about medicines and doctors or faculties that can “cure vitiligo”

– It felt degrading being interrupted by a stranger and it would make me question if I needed to start looking into medications. I never utilised any medication and just remained positive and continued to find self-love.

After all of this, I am proud to share my story today and my Vitiligo has become an asset to who I am rather than being a liability. Vitiligo does not define who you are, it helps shape you into a stronger and more compassionate individual.