My name is Freddy I’ve had Vitiligo since the age of 8. At first I did not mind and thought it was not serious. But later in life in High School I became really withdrawn and depressed. So at the age of 18 I decided to have my skin depigmented by using Hydroquinone from a Dermatologist.

I had tried many treatments before like PUVA and psoralens cream. Since my vitiligo was so extensive I decided to have depigmentation. But now I’m 34 and have had major mental issues related to this disease. Since I feel discriminated sometimes I began to get depressed and suicidal.

My skin is so pale that people often stare at me or call me names like Michael Jackson. There are days that I feel fine but mostly I’m depressed. My only hope now is to keep trying to be a good person and not pay attention to people staring or name calling me. But I must struggle alone unless there is someone reading this who can help me.