If you haven't heard of it - you have now. The word is Vitiligo, a chronic skin disorder where the skin loses it's pigment to the point where it becomes void of colour. Pictured to the right is Lee Thomas and how Vitiligo appears on his face - click on the Youtube link at the end of this blog to learn more from Lee Thomas.
There is no known cause and no known permanent cure, and affects approxiamately 1-3% of the worlds population. It is an auto immune disorder where the melanocytes are attacked and destroyed by the auto immune system, usually resulting in patches of lost pigment on the body and it's extremities. Most commonly Vitiligo can be seen as patches on the hands and/or face of those who have it. In my case it is noticeable on the left side of my mouth & jaw and down onto the left side of my neck radiating out towards my left ear.
I've inserted a brief video clip on the subject, which you can view right here (see below).
The most famous person with vitiligo is Michael Jackson and you've likely heard how it was rumored that he supposedly wanted to be a white man! His loss of pigment wasn't voluntary, but as a result of vitiligo.
You can search the internet for info on Vitiligo which I have done since having it appear on my face. It was likley it began from a time when I was sunburnt on my face and lips while out surfing last summer. I noticed it firstly as a small colourless patch in the corner of mouth and chin. Which over the year grew to be a larger patchy area further moving onto my neck and up towards my left ear.
Now in 2009 it is well established and due to it's obvious appearance, has caused me to re-engineer how I think about myself and how I define myself. This of course is a process we all go through as we grow in age and abilities, gained or lost over time. For me it has included the need to re-evaluate my level of self-esteem, self-image and self-confidence. All of which I am pleased to say are well intact and robust as ever, if not more so, as a result of the Vitiligo. This is often not the case with those who have vitiligo, especially those with darker skin tones. For many with dark skin tones it can be a debilitating affliction, destroying ones self-image and esteem, with far reaching implications if not effectively dealt with at a psychological level.
If I didn't know what I know via Neuro Semantics and the many other models and principles I live by, I have no doubt the percieved dis-figurement of Vitiligo could have caused me to withdraw as a recluse and result in the loss of my much loved career.
Click on this Video Blog clip of myself chatting about Vitiligo "unplugged".
It has caused many to lose their sense of self-esteem & self-image. The emotional strain for young children, in addressing the taunting words of other children in the playground as they grow, through those important formative years, could and often do have, a devastating impact on their future. To have it appear as an adult can be also traumatic. Often we have formed many strong definitions of ourself as a mature adult, with many finding it too difficult to redefine themselves with emotional & psychological consequences.
I'm supported emotionally and morally at home by my partner Lena, and my family. This and my own mental processing and re-evaluative processes, of who I am, beyond facial appearances and skin color have positively contributed to me now wearing Vitiligo with pride!
If you have Vitiligo or any other percieved physical dis-order, that causes you to lose your sense of personal worth & self image - contact me.
For an insight into life with Vitiligo and being present in the public eye, click on this link and you'll watch Larry Kings interview with anchorman from Detroit, Lee Thomas and his journey as a black man turning white.
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