Pregnancy is a remarkable journey filled with profound changes in a woman’s body, thoughts, and emotions. From the incredible transformations within the womb to the postpartum phase, a woman experiences a series of remarkable adaptations.
Today, Iya Magazine is privileged to share the story of a mother who developed a rare skin condition called vitiligo immediately after the birth of her second child. While this occurrence is not common, medical experts also say that the exact causes of her condition are not completely understood.
This interview delves into Winifred Aghanwa’s extraordinary journey, highlighting her resilience, self-discovery, and the strength that arises from embracing life’s unexpected twists…
I am a beautiful black woman who used to have a flawless skin until two years ago, when a new chapter of my life began. It all started in 2021, when I was expecting my second child. Throughout the pregnancy, all my test results were okay, and I had no complaints. Fast forward to the day of delivery; after I returned home with my baby, I noticed a patch of skin discoloration on my face. Initially, it wasn’t so visible, but within seven days, it became very clear. At first, I thought it was eczema, so I started applying different anti-fungal creams to it. Little did I know that it was something worse.
At that time, my husband was travelling to Morocco, so I told him to buy me some skincare products, which he did. However, while I was applying all that, instead of the white patches disappearing, I noticed that other parts of my skin were also undergoing depigmentation, and I didn’t know why it was happening.
It took one year before I found a dermatologist who could handle my case
The discovery
One day, I met an old friend at a birthday party, and when she saw me, she said, ‘Winnie, this thing that is appearing on your skin looks like vitiligo.’ That was the first time someone gave it a name. She further told me that her uncle had experienced it, and that was exactly how his skin was depigmented.
When I got home that evening, I started Googling about the disease, and everything I read online actually got me worried. Initially, I had a few patches on my face, but my worst moment was watching them appear on my hands, lips, and feet.
When I went to the hospital, it was confirmed that the patches were vitiligo, but finding a very good dermatologist who could handle the case was not easy. Moreover, some people were saying that it has no cure, and I didn’t want to hear such a statement.
Vitiligo can impact any area of the body, including the skin, hair, and the interior of the mouth
What is vitiligo?
According to the Mayo Clinic, vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that attacks skin pigmentation, causing people to lose their natural skin tone. This condition can impact any area of the body, including the skin, hair, and the interior of the mouth, experts say.
Typically, melanin is responsible for determining the colour of hair and skin. However, in this case, the cells producing melanin either die off or cease their normal functioning. This condition can manifest in individuals of all skin types, though it may be more prominent in those with brown or black skin.
Dealing with vitiligo
Winifred says, “As all these were unfolding, I discovered that I started losing my self-confidence and became self-conscious of my skin depigmentation.
“On a normal day, I am not someone who wears makeup, but suddenly, I started applying it frequently to cover the discoloration. And when that was not enough, I moved on to changing the clothes in my wardrobe. I stopped wearing short sleeves and skirts. I was even wearing gloves to cover my hands.
“I also stopped hanging out with friends or even going to public places. I always take my son to his school and although his teachers have never asked me what happened to my skin, I know they might be wondering about it in their hearts.
“There was a day I went to the market without wearing makeup or hand gloves. Everyone was just staring at me. I even overheard someone say maybe I experienced a fire or hot water incident. When I got home that day, my heart was so heavy.
“Vitiligo made me addicted to looking at myself in the mirror frequently. Honestly, there were days I cried my eyes out and even questioned God for everything that was happening.”
Vitiligo made me addicted to looking at myself in the mirror frequently; and there were days I cried my eyes out
Treatment and recovery
I practiced self-medication for a while because I was looking for a quick solution to the problem. I used different creams and soaps. In fact, I was always online, purchasing both cheap and expensive products. When the topical applications were not working, I switched to consuming herbal formulations. Yet, there were no results. It took one year before I found a dermatologist who could handle my case.
I am currently undergoing treatment, and, according to the doctor, the chances of my face repigmenting completely are 100 percent, while other parts have lesser chances.
Have I been receiving support?
Yes! I am very grateful for the support I have been receiving from my family and friends. My husband, especially, has been my rock. He used to tell me not to worry about my looks because his love for me goes beyond my physical appearance. He really helped me in rebuilding my self-esteem.
Today, I am no longer shy about my condition. I don’t cover my face with heavy makeup, and I flaunt my skin with pride. Anytime I look into the mirror I tell myself, ‘Winnie, you are beautiful and your skin will heal, and even if it doesn’t, you are still beautiful.’
In my case, stress triggers vitiligo, so I make out time to rest properly
The devil wanted to steal my joy, but God restored it and gave me a new beginning. I also find consolation in my kids. At least, I am alive to take care of them, and that’s a beautiful thing.
She counsels mothers: “Experiencing negative changes to your body after childbirth is a shared and transformative aspect of motherhood. If you found yourself in a similar condition, the first thing to do is to grant yourself the patience and understanding to heal at your own pace. Remember that your body has achieved something incredible, and with time, it can recover.
“Secondly, prioritize self-care and always make positive affirmations, irrespective of your conditions. In my case, stress triggers vitiligo, so I make out time to rest properly.
“In summary, love yourself, always do what makes you happy and maintain unwavering faith that, in due time, all will be well.”
