I'm 28 yrs old and I've had vitiligo since I was 5. It was worst when I was in middle school, about 25% below my legs was covered, all over my elbows, armpits, hips, and wrists. I spent about 15 years seeing one of the top vitiligo doctors at the University of Minnnesota, mostly using topical steroids. They tried injections into the vitiligo also. Sometimes the topical steroids worked (diprolene worked best for me), but usually not. Since then, much of the vitiligo has just dissappeared. My largest spot, which was the size of a football on my knee, is nearly gone. It is barely visible on my hips, a few small spots on my ankles and elbows, but one softball size spot on my right calf that has always been there. I'm not sure why the vitiligo disappeared.
A few years ago I started going through some very stressful times and vitiligo has spread to my hands pretty severely. All my knuckles and most of my fingers are covered as well as my wrists. Also, I keep starting to notice spots on the corners of my mouth. Every time I see those though, I start putting diprolene on and they go away after about a month. I also had spots on my ears and nose after a severe burn, but I put steroid on right away and they disappeared.
Of all the spots I've ever had, the hands have been the worst, so I decided to start researching and try to get rid of it. About a month ago, I started taking the merry clinic pills, ginko biloba, neem leaf, vitamin c, folic acid, and b12. I'm taking pictures to see what happens. Most importantly, I'm really trying to reduce stress.
I saw many posts about people feeling down on themselves about this disease. Please don't, It will make it worse! There is nothing wrong with us! I understand though, my biggest fear (that I try to push away) is about how the opposite sex sees me. Each of you please do this. Think of someone attractive to you, stop and picture them with vitiligo. Are they any less attractive to you? Doubt it. It especially works with people you know, so try to get people to know you, the vitiligo will not be an issue for them once they know the kind of person you are. I have been in relationships with very attractive women, and I'm sure my vitiligo was not at all they reason they all left me!
Be confident in yourself, improve what you can, and show people the real you. If you're constantly thinking about your vitiligo when you're around others, they will notice. Just tell yourself you're just as attractive as them and there's nothing on your body for them to stare at, and they won't. You're all beautiful.
I'm sure there's people on here who are married. Could you tell us what your spouses think about your vitiligo, or if it was ever an issue when you met or were dating? I think we could use a reality check from those people.