Living With Vitiligo

A BBC Pigin interview with Winifred Aghanwa got me hyped about how we handle ‘’different’’ in the society, she spoke about how she developed vitiligo after giving birth. She was in tears and also feeling really sad about the situation. Personally, I don’t know how she feels but I know she’s a special kind. It’s not everyday you meet or see people that God specially hand crafted into something beautifully unique. It is true those patches look different, but deeply it is beautiful to behold. Maybe, this is a statement of: to the pure all things are pure. Typically, we see the world as we are. So why should anyone look at someone with vitiligo as less or make them uncomfortable in their beautiful skin. I think it’s Gods way of telling us what a refined designer He is. So, some people are typically ignorant and think the worst of it, sometimes others are just outright ruthless and callous to themselves there by transferring it to the easiest prey they see.

I will be divulging reasons and debunking myths why Vitiligo should not be seen as an alien thing, neither is it contagious for those who do not know what it is. Next time you see a Vitiligo Warrior, give them their flowers and love. Make them see that they are perfect in every sense of the word. Even a renowned American model, Winne Harlow showed us on her Instagram handle how she was trashed by people because of her skin condition. If people in almighty America are also ignorant of this skin condition, then tell me why this will not pose a challenge anywhere else.

So just like Black Ryed Peas, I’m also asking the World, Where is the Love? ‘’It just aint the same, old ways have changed. New days are strange, is the World insane? If Love and Peace are so strong why are there pieces of love that don’t belong?’’. So, before you are ever unkind or unempathetic about a condition you’re not aware of, please do research and verify first. Empathy should be a default for us all before conclusions are made. So, this is my own contribution to the World. What is Vitiligo?

So according to Mayo clinic, Vitiligo is a disease that causes loss of skin colour in patches. The discoloured areas usually get bigger with time. The condition can affect the skin on any part of the body. It can also affect hair and the inside of the mouth.

Normally, the colour of hair and skin is determined by melanin. Vitiligo occurs when cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning. Vitiligo affects people of all skin types, but it may be more noticeable in people with brown or Black skin. The condition is not life-threatening or contagious. It can be stressful or make you feel bad about yourself.

Treatment for vitiligo may restore colour to the affected skin. But it doesn’t prevent continued loss of skin colour or a recurrence.

To Winifred Aghanwa and All Vitiligo WarriorsWorldwide: You Are Loved. In your unique journey, you’ve shown the world the incredible strength and beauty that resides within. Vitiligo is not a mark of imperfection but a canvas upon which your resilience shines.

You are loved, cherished, and embraced for exactly who you are. Your story is an invitation for all of us to see beyond the surface and celebrate the diversity that makes our world so vibrant.

Let this be our collective awareness: Vitiligo is not contagious, but love and empathy certainly are. Your journey has taught us to look deeper, to see the person within, and to embrace the beauty of our differences.

So, let love and empathy be our guiding stars, illuminating the path toward a more compassionate world. Together, we can change perceptions and promote understanding.

You are not alone, and your journey is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the beauty of authenticity. Keep shining, keep smiling, and keep inspiring us all.