Last week I was very occupied with our sales conference that I didn’t get a chance to write about what I am thankful off, which was my TGIF Challenge to self. So today, I like to share something that is too personal however I felt that I need to write about it to educate those who come across this article.
Last December, a colleague noticed white spots on my face and she asked me about it. I didn’t take it seriously since I thought it was just a wind burn caused by too much exposure under the sun and wind while I was on a holiday in a beach for several consecutive weeks since November.
After, taking a close look, I was alarmed , so I consulted a dermatologist and she recommended several tests to find out what those white spots were. Results of laboratory tests ruled out fungal infection, it wasn’t wind burn… my derma concluded that the white spots is an auto-immune disease called Vitiligo. Being a biochemist (that was my graduate degree which I didn’t finish anyway) , I agreed on her findings. It was indeed Vitiligo.
Vitiligo (vit-ih-LIE-go) is a disease that causes the loss of skin color in blotches. The extent and rate of color loss from vitiligo is unpredictable. It can affect the skin on any part of your body. It may also affect hair, the inside of the mouth and even the eyes. Normally, the color of hair, skin and eyes is determined by melanin. Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning. Vitiligo affects people of all skin types, but it may be more noticeable in people with darker skin. The condition is not life-threatening or contagious. It can be stressful or make you feel bad about yourself. Treatment for vitiligo may improve the appearance of the affected skin but does not cure the disease. (Source http://www.mayoclinic.org)
My dermatologist who by the way trained in the US, recommended preventive treatment, I have to apply topical steroid to relieve the inflammation of the cells, twice a day and also steroid injections every other two weeks. After two weeks of initial treatment, my skin responded and small patches of brown color started to grow, according to my doctor, my body is responding positively on the medications.
Vitiligo may be hereditary, it may also be connected with thyroid disease (which until now is being studied) but another cause of this auto-immune disease i STRESS. I was so stressed at work in the remaining quarters of 2016, the spots only showed up in December.
I’ve read articles about Vitiligo and I can say I am luckier than other patients….mine is minor and was diagnosed at an early stage, hence I am THANKFUL that I found out about my auto-immune disease early, as well as having it at late rather when I was younger, I am thankful that I met a very great, honest and supportive doctor, whose now working on my condition.
I am thankful to HIM for giving me trials that I can bear, I know this is just another test which I will pass with flying colors…. I’ve experienced more than this and I got through it and it only made me a stronger woman. I believe in the power of human mind, if we think positive and with a strong belief on HIM nothing is impossible. Being a positive thinker and a person oozing with happy hormones (that’s how my other doctor described me),I know I can defeat Vitiligo! So it’s Vitiligo Go in 2017! Ha! Ha!
My personal recommendation, is don’t stress yourself to get away with auto-immune diseases! And for those suffering from Vitiligo, there are several natural remedies, just research and try it, it wouldn’t hurt, be careful though. My doctor says, she’s not discounting natural remedies as long as it will not inflame, cause allergies on your skin or have adverse effect then why not try it. Right now, I am taking Spirulina which is a protein rich, natural food supplement. it reduces inflammation and more…. I will write about it soon.
Lastly, suffering from Vitiligo, should not reduce your self confidence, be proud of the skin you’re wearing, be confident… be a model and educate other people about it…
Niceties Of Life 