Vitiligo Support Forum

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and I wanted to introduce myself.
My name is Sarah, i'm 17 years old, and a senior in high school. I have had vitiligo for as long as i can remember (about 2nd or 3rd grade), i had white patches in the creases of my arms. However, last summer, I noticed it getting worse. I started to develop white patches in my inner thighs, and also random spots on my legs. Also, it started to spread on almost all of my upper arms, and right now it is very blotchy. Also during the past month or two, i noticed a white spot on my face, on my right temple. Today, i noticed a white patch forming above my upper lip.

I am EXTREMELY self concious about my skin.. I try to wear long sleeves as much as possible to hide my arms, but now that its on my face, I feel very self consious and dont know what to do, because I really dont like wearing makeup.

I have not been to a doctor yet because I dont currently have health insurance, so I havent persued treatment options yet.

I just wanted to talk to fellow Vitiligo sufferers (sufferers? that word sounds so negative.. ugh) because I want to talk to people who understand me. This disease has made me feel very depressed.. I'm dreading warm weather, because I dont want to stop wearing long sleeves.

Any words of support or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

Hi

Firstly let me tell you what you are going through is not uncommon.

Secondly, dont feel disheartened. this is not a disease and a condition which if you accept it exists - you can live a beautiful life perhaps even better than what others go through, thank god we dont have internal disorders like diabetes etc.

Thirdly, the cure exists. I am a Vitiligo sufferer and I am fighting this disorder. I have been posting regularly in the section - Vitiligo treatments in this forum. So you can read all my posts.

I am getting treated by a doctor J S Pasricha in India (you can read on him on internet). I also am using Babchi oil plus Sunlight exposure plus yoga plus copper vessel plus a host of other lifestyle corrective measures. I suggest read my posts - what it will give you a comfort is that cure exists so dont feel disheartened. My spots right now are not white - they have turned pink - some of them have repigmented also.

In case you need any guidance feel free to write to me at puneetbhatia2009@gmail.com

Cheers
Puneet