Today is World Vitiligo Day—a gentle reminder to embrace ourselves, fully and kindly. I am Pratima Baral from Nepal and today I feel like opening a page from my journey. I was just 6 when I was diagnosed with vitiligo. Too little to understand what was happening, I was soon caught in years of medications—none of which worked. Instead, I became underweight, endured painful reactions, skin burns, and routines that drained me physically and emotionally.
School wasn’t easy either. I was bullied for the way I looked, and for years, I blamed my body for the stares, the whispers, and the silence. Accepting that vitiligo has no cure? That was the hardest part.
But life has a strange way of sending hope. I still remember the first time I saw Winnie Harlow—confident, stunning, and bold. Her journey lit a spark in me. For so long, I had covered my hands, legs, even my neck, hiding from judgment. But little by little, I started wearing clothes I loved. I started showing up, scars and all.
A huge part of that healing came from my family and close ones—their love never wavered. Thank you for always making me feel seen.
Still, I won’t pretend every day is easy. Some days I feel brave; some days I just want to disappear. But I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel it all.
So today, I just want to say this: Never judge someone for their skin, body, or condition. We all deserve to be seen, loved, and accepted. Life is too short to hide who you are.
