Since becoming pregnant, I've noticed a definite increase in re-pigmentation on my face and other parts of my body. Again, they are still only the size of little moles but it is adding up over time and it seems that a new one appears daily. At this point, there is nothing I can do to treat them, as I refuse to take any medication or put any chemicals on or in my body for prolonged periods during this time (understandably so). Not to mention that production of melanin increases in all women during pregnancy, so even those who don't have Vitiligo may notice darker areas of skin when expecting. So right now, this is normal.
However, it is making me even more determined to get rid of these marks once and for all once the baby comes. The up and down of re-pigmentation/de-pigmentation has become too much of a roller coaster in the past 2 years, accelerating beyond my wildest imagination and triggered by the slightest change in my lifestyle or mood. Furthermore, I want to know what it feels like to wake up and walk out of the house with some mascara and lipgloss in this hot climate and not have to layer my face with foundation to cover the thirty-something spots of pigment on my face every time.
What's more, in my line of fashion work, people see me a certain way and believe that how my skin looks with makeup on is also how I look naturally (despite following this blog or my progress with Vitiligo in general) and it seems hard for them to remember to be discreet the one or two times that I have ventured out with my marks showing, only to hear the remark: "Oh, you're breaking out!"
It's not encouraging. No, I am not breaking out. I have the same condition I've always had that you have always known but just forgot to hold your tongue about in your shock that my skin is not flawless or that my feelings may not be affected by such insensitive comments.
Anyway, those are my thoughts for the day. Still struggling with the decision...
Darcel, you are a wonderful, courageous, talented, and breathtakingly beautiful woman. Keep smiling the world is a better place because of it and you.
ReplyDeleteHi, I noticed your blog because I also have vitiligo and was curious about if i have children whether or no they would be born with it... Was your daughter/son born with vitiligo? it makes me upset to think that if my child is born with it he/she would have to go through the same thing i had to. i developed vitiligo just after 8th grade. I am 21 now and i still am emotionally bothered with it. I hate the summers because if i wear short sleeved shirts i have to put makeup on my arms. I never wear shorts because i have white spots on my knees and feet. There is a few on my face and hand that i cover up daily and it makes me very upset. No one knows i have it besides my family. I never even told my friends. If you can please let me know if your child ended up with it or not? thank you so much and good luck.
ReplyDeleteHi there. You cannot be born with Vitiligo, and no, my daughter was not born with it, nor has she shown any signs of developing the condition at almost sixteen months old. Only time and faith will tell.
ReplyDeleteWhile I understand your not wanting to let people know about your condition, hiding it will be more detrimental to your sanity and health than to anyone else. If they cannot accept you as you are then you do not need them. Trust me. And you would be surprised how much support you will find in your real friends,
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