Vitiligo Unveiled

Characterised by white patches and spots appearing anywhere on the body, vitiligo is a frequently misunderstood, misjudged and complex skin condition. For years, people with vitiligo have been stigmatised and bullied, largely due to society’s ignorance. Fortunately, this mindset has seen a positive shift of late, as recent media exposure on vitiligo has brought about a better general understanding and awareness. PAOLA CHELLEW takes a closer look.

- PAOLA CHELLEW

The poem Pied Beauty by Gerard Manley Hopkins celebrates all things that are dappled, stippled and freckled. He marvels at the distinct contrasts and patterns in nature, finding beauty in all that is unconventional.

Yet the skin condition known as vitiligo – a loss of pigment in areas of the skin, resulting in the piebald effect the poet so admired – is more often than not misjudged and misunderstood. In its most dominant form, it is (ironically) perfectly symmetrical, appearing equally on both sides of the body. A perfect imperfection, one might say…

The changing face of vitiligo Once stigmatised and deemed unslightly, the mindset and visibility of this skin condition has seen positive changes over recent years. This is due, in part, to remarkable women such as Canadian fashion model Winnie Harlow, American CoverGirl cosmetics ambassador and model Amy Deanna, and of course our very own Boitumelo Rametsi – founder of Spotted Beauty and vitiligo spokesperson. They have all inspired those with vitiligo by accepting their unique beauty and raising awareness. Moreover, they urge people to do away with the stereotypical ideals of beauty. In fact, Mattel has recently launched four new Barbie dolls – including one with vitiligo – in an attempt to be more inclusive and encourage body positivity.