Top 10 tips for white skin patches 

Last Updated on 15th November 2021 by Caroline Haye

It’s a pity that we don’t, on the whole, appreciate the beauty of white patches on human skin. At least, not in the same way as we do on animals… like this beautiful horse. But the fact is that, unlike these lovely creatures, most people who develop white patches realise their loss of pigment is not normal. It is a sign that something is wrong. In fact, discovering these patches for the first time can be a frightening experience. And seeing them spread can result in feelings of depression, helplessness and even panic. 

If you, or a loved one, are in this situation I hope that you will find this post and read my top 10 tips below. They are based on my own experience and are exactly what I would have benefited from hearing years ago if there had been anyone around back then to share them with me. 

1. Get a proper diagnosis from a qualified dermatologist. If it is not vitiligo, but rather one of several other conditions that are sometimes mistaken for it, that’s probably good news. Because most of these are easier to treat than vitiligo. But, if your diagnosis is definite, my advice is to do the following:
2. Don’t let the typically negative attitude towards vitiligo of the mainstream medical profession get you down. Most doctors will tell you there is no cure and little chance of improvement or recovery. But my story (and many others) proves them wrong.
3. Expect a cure – it WILL happen; it’s just a matter of time and research – but don’t put your life on hold in the meantime. Life is too precious to spend it living for tomorrow.
4. Don’t let the curiosity or ignorance of others depress or embarrass you. Take a leaf out of this impressive young woman’s book.
5. Take responsibility for your own treatment. No one else will do this for you. Do your own research, take stock of your general health, monitor your own progress and be proactive.
6. Eat healthily and take note of any digestive issues that could be contributing to your vitiligo.
7. Whenever you consult a health professional, go prepared and be assertive. If you do some research on the subject first you will probably end up knowing more about it than the average general practitioner. So don’t let anyone dismiss your concerns or try to tell you things you know are not true (e.g. there are no effective treatments for vitiligo).
8. Get support from others with vitiligo. The internet has made this so much easier to do and it is a god-send to be able to talk to others who understand what you are going through.
9. Take photos of your white patches so you can see any changes. (I wish I’d done this before I started to repigment – it would have made the before and after pictures even more dramatic.)
10. Love yourself – your worth is not defined by your skin any more than by your elbows or your toenails!