Vitiligo affects around 1% of the global population, yet public understanding of the condition remains limited. That’s why The News Movement recently partnered with The Vitiligo Society and several of our ambassadors to shed light on what it truly means to live with vitiligo and why better treatment access matters.

Their powerful new video report, “Vitiligo: Living with the Condition and Fighting for Treatment,” dives into the emotional, social, and medical challenges of the condition through personal stories. With authenticity and compassion, it brings forward voices that are too often overlooked.

Watch the video: Vitiligo: Living with the Condition and Fighting for Treatment

The News Movement is a next-generation media organisation that delivers breaking news, investigations, and cultural stories directly to where young audiences are: social media. Every month, they reach more than 70 million people across platforms through their various communication channels—bringing important issues like vitiligo into mainstream digital conversations.

Their collaboration with The Vitiligo Society represents the kind of responsible, community-led storytelling that helps shift public perception and amplify underrepresented voices.

This story is especially meaningful because it’s not just reported—it’s lived. Eoghan, a journalist with The News Movement and the reporter behind the piece, was himself diagnosed with vitiligo at age 21. At first, he didn’t think much of it. But within 18 months, as the white patches spread to his eyelashes and hair, his perspective changed. Eoghan recalls his own experience and motivations behind the work:

This project would not have been possible without the support and voices of The Vitiligo Society’s ambassadors, including Reuben and Natalie, who courageously opened up about their journeys.

Reuben was diagnosed at the age of three with non-segmental vitiligo, which affects both sides of his body. Growing up as the first child of Ghanaian immigrants in Italy, he described feeling caught between cultures. “I didn’t belong anywhere,” he said. “The Ghanaian community didn’t fully accept me, and the Italians didn’t see me as fully Italian.”

That identity crisis was deepened by the visible changes to his skin. Reuben questioned why this was happening to him, even wondering if it was a punishment. The emotional impact was profound: “I got mocked because I looked different. I didn’t know who I was supposed to be.” Despite this, his presence in the video radiates confidence, showing how far he’s come in learning to embrace himself.

Natalie, also diagnosed at age three, said she initially didn’t feel different—thanks in large part to her parents, who were committed to raising a confident daughter who loved her skin. But everything changed when she hit secondary school.

In her teens, Natalie became obsessed with hiding her vitiligo. She layered on the darkest fake tan she could find, desperately trying to even out her skin tone. “Dating was really hard,” she shared. “I categorically didn’t date because I didn’t think I was attractive enough to be in a relationship with someone.”

Natalie’s story, like Reuben’s, highlights how vitiligo can deeply affect self-worth and mental health—especially in the absence of wider societal understanding and representation.

A significant part of the story focuses on Ruxolitinib, a new treatment that has shown promising results. However, the NHS recently declined to approve the drug, citing concerns over cost-effectiveness.

Many in the community, including The Vitiligo Society, strongly disagree with that decision. For people with vitiligo, the issue isn’t just about skin—it’s about psychological wellbeing and quality of life.

The Society has appealed the decision and continues to advocate for equitable treatment access, guided by the lived realities of people with the condition.

This collaboration between The News Movement and The Vitiligo Society isn’t just a media piece—it’s a platform for real people, real pain, and real hope. It raises awareness, fights stigma, and gives others permission to talk about something often kept hidden.

Through Eoghan’s perspective and the powerful stories of our ambassadors, we hope this video brings connection, comfort, and clarity to anyone navigating life with vitiligo.

Because no one should feel alone in their skin.

If this story resonated with you, help us continue the fight:

Together, we can ensure vitiligo is better understood and better supported.

Funding disclosure:
The Vitiligo Society has project work supported by an educational grant from Incyte Biosciences UK Ltd. The Vitiligo Society maintains full control over the all project management and content, ensuring independence and impartiality in its work. When it comes to any external funding we follow the current guidance and rules as set out by the Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator. We report any research collaborations and/or financial contributions received from industry in our annual reports and accounts as well as being transparent about our partnerships on our website.