DEE’S STORY

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder that causes areas of skin to lose colour. It presents as depigmented (white) patches and is due to the destruction or malfunction of melanocytes (cells that produce melanin). It is estimated that approximately 100 million people in the world are affected.

Dee

Hi, my name is Dee, and I live in Sydney with my husband and children. I am a qualified accountant, but after returning from living overseas for 10 years, I decided to start my own business.

About 10 years ago, I started to experience problems with my skin. It started with white patches around my right eye, which at the time was very localised and relatively mild. I was able to cover it with makeup, so it didn’t impact me that much. However, last year, it took a significant turn for the worse once we returned to Australia. White spots began to appear around both eyes, then it moved to my face, neck and back, increasing in severity and surface area. It was itchy, burning and swollen.

It was now obvious that there was something very wrong with my skin. I could no longer cover it with makeup, and I started to lose my confidence. Going out in public was really hard. I visited numerous doctors who said that there was nothing that could be done.

This year I was very fortunate to have been recommended to The Skin Hospital and Dr Monisha Gupta, who specialises in the treatment of Vitiligo. On my first visit, Dr Gupta provided me with hope and made me feel more confident that my skin could improve. One of the highlights of my visit was a session with the camouflage nurse, which changed my life immediately.

Priscilla, an Assistant in Nursing and highly trained in applying camouflage makeup for patients with severe skin conditions like Vitiligo, matched my colour tones exactly and showed me how to apply and blend. She covered up my Vitiligo so well it looked like I was “cured”. Dr Gupta also provided input and advice, making me feel that they really understood my problems.

While I am not cured, and I am just starting my journey to improve my Vitiligo, the experience I have had at The Skin Hospital has changed my life. I am more confident, go out again, and feel happier and more optimistic about my skin. I will attend a big family wedding this year as I know I will be able to “cover up” and avoid the constant questions and stares.

The support and expertise from Dr Gupta, Priscilla, and the team at The Skin Hospital have been amazing.