For children of the '90s, vitiligo conjures up one image: Michael Jackson. Questions about the pop star's rapidly lightening skin color led him to reveal that he lived with the rare skin disorder, which causes white patches of skin to appear on various parts of the body.
While Jackson may be the most notable case of vitiligo, he is not the only one. It’s estimated that between 2 and 5 million Americans currently live with the disorder. While vitiligo may cause many people to feel self-conscious, it is also a source of pride for others.
Vitiligo appears when the cells that make skin pigment are destroyed, leaving white patches in their place.
No makeup kind of day ???????????? #vitiligopride #vitiligobabe #mua
A photo posted by Monique Ortiz ???? (@_makeupbymonique) on
It can occur anywhere on the body, but is most common in areas frequently exposed to the sun: the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips.
Some people may even see white patches form in their hair, inside their mouths, or in their eyes.
A photo posted by Lorena Rivera (@justmyvitiligo) on
It can effect people of all skin tones, although it is more noticeable on darker skin.
The cause of vitiligo is still unknown, though many believe it to be an autoimmune disorder.
A photo posted by Raaaaadddddiccaalll???????? (@justcallmepeachy) on
People with other autoimmune disorders, like hypothyroidism, are more likely to develop it.
Children of parents with vitiligo are also more likely to develop the disorder.
A photo posted by Leonie//Crimemember (@leo_lolipop) on
But that doesn't necessarily mean that they will be born with the condition.
Most people with vitiligo develop it in their mid-twenties, though it can occur at any age.
It is impossible to predict whether the patches will spread to other parts of the body. The rate of spread also varies from person to person.
A photo posted by Rainah Ramos (@raaah_r) on
Some people report developing more patches in times of physical or emotional stress.
Topical creams, light treatment, or depigmentation of surrounding skin can all help reduce the appearance of vitiligo.
So here's my declaration : I Love myself!!! ???????? Okay, bye! ✌♌✔
A photo posted by Deleen Singh (@vitiligo_deleen) on
But a growing number of people are learning to embrace their vitiligo — and celebrate their uniqueness.
A photo posted by Kelsey ???? Ketting (@kelseyroseofficial) on
Polish photographer Julia Kaczorowska, for example, takes striking black-and-white portraits of those with the condition.
Model Winnie Harlow skyrocketed to fame in part because of her unique skin coloring.
The Canadian model once dropped out of high school because of relentless teasing, and now appears on the cover of Elle and Marie Claire.
Others have spoken out about the condition through videos and op-eds.
O cabelo é de fogo, mas o signo é de água ????????
A photo posted by Barbarhat Sueyassu (@barbarhatsueyassu) on
"To others, my condition may be seen as an unfortunate abnormality, but it isn't up to me to prove them wrong," India Garcia wrote in Teen Vogue. "It is up to me to accept myself, spotted or not."
Keep shining, ladies. You look great.
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