28 Jun 2022

Vitiligo, that condition that causes the skin to lose its colour, is nothing to be ashamed of.

It is not contagious or life threatening, so there really is no reason to be anxious about tomorrow or cower in fear of the moment.

Indeed, you will face nasty and insensitive moments, such as people asking you what burnt you, or some just looking shocked when they see you. Instead of running off to hide in shame or crawling into a cocoon of low self-esteem, you can rise above the condition and confidently assume your position in society.

“Vitiligo should not be a hindrance to greatness and achieving highest echelons of success.

I wish to motivate you, despite the multiple challenges that you may experience, to strive to push boundaries and reach for the stars. It is achievable,” said Letsholathebe Memorial Hospital superintendent Dr Lebogang Mokotedi during the World Vitiligo commemoration day held here Saturday.

In fact, there were many famous people with the condition who did not let it become a hindrance, she said, citing Jamaican- Canadian supermodel, Winnie Harlow, whose star continued to rise, as she defied societal standards for what was considered beauty’.

Dr Mokotedi said lack of knowledge bred fear, which in turn led to stigmatisation of people with Vitiligo. It was up top those with the condition, and the affected, to change perceptions, so the world may be more receptive to them, she said.

She added Vitiligo affected people of all skin types, but was most noticeable among those with darker skin, because of the contrast between its tone and the white patches caused by the condition. It affects only about one per cent of humanity.

Dr Mokotedi said Ngami District Health Management Team would be spreading awareness and education messages to help change people’s perceptions about the condition.

She said the district had its dermatologists, psychologists, social workers and Youth Friendly clinics as well as Ophthalmologists, on standby to assist people with Vitiligo.

She encouraged the community to make use of the free services to receive counselling, treatment and education about the condition, which she said could sometimes affect sight. Director of Purple Art Company, Ms Snow Mabuto, a rape victim, shared her ordeal and said she found courage and healing from talking about it. She exhorted people with Vitiligo to talk about their condition as that would help them to overcome the shame and stigma attached to it, and allow them to confidently seek treatment and other services relevant to the condition. ENDs