Living in Australia with vitiligo
Jul 24th 2007, 2:24 am
#1
Dave-O
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 22
Living in Australia with vitiligo
I have two job offers in Australia - Brisbane and Adelaide. I'm very tempted by both of them, but I have a health issue that might be a problem Down Under: I have a skin condition - vitiligo - that makes me fear the Australian sun. Anyone else affected by this thing? what do you actually do, how do you manage to get along with your life in the australian climate?
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white
on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).
I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white
on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
Jul 24th 2007, 2:49 am
#2
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 8,913
Re: Living in Australia with vitiligo
I have two job offers in Australia - Brisbane and Adelaide. I'm very tempted by both of them, but I have a health issue that might be a problem Down Under: I have a skin condition - vitiligo - that makes me fear the Australian sun. Anyone else affected by this thing? what do you actually do, how do you manage to get along with your life in the australian climate?
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).
I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white
on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
All she does is completely cover up. She wears Rashes (UVA protected T-shirts) and sits in the shade where possible. I don't sit in the sun and i was able to keep my skin sunburnt free through the whole of the summer. I didn't use suncream much either. Just cover up and wear suncream, plenty of it.
Jul 24th 2007, 2:59 am
#3
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 65,493
Re: Living in Australia with vitiligo
Could you get on to the Vitiligo Society in the UK and ask if they have any links to a similar group in Aus. Had a quick google but couldn't find anything. I was at school with a girl who suffered with it. I think the nasty comments you can get must be harder to deal with than the condition itself. There must be group out here.
Jul 24th 2007, 3:20 am
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,233
Re: Living in Australia with vitiligo
Could you get on to the Vitiligo Society in the UK and ask if they have any links to a similar group in Aus. Had a quick google but couldn't find anything. I was at school with a girl who suffered with it. I think the nasty comments you can get must be harder to deal with than the condition itself. There must be group out here.
the Australasian College of Dermatologists do have some links to government health sites, organisations and patient support groups none of which seem to be specific for this
Jul 24th 2007, 3:22 am
#5
Made the move -
Joined: Apr 2004
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 2,910
Re: Living in Australia with vitiligo
I have two job offers in Australia - Brisbane and Adelaide. I'm very tempted by both of them, but I have a health issue that might be a problem Down Under: I have a skin condition - vitiligo - that makes me fear the Australian sun. Anyone else affected by this thing? what do you actually do, how do you manage to get along with your life in the australian climate?
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).
I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white
on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
most people here dont sit out in the sun anyway, there are plenty of undercover areas everywhere you go, even most houses have outdoor entertaining areas which are undercover, and it isnt unusual to see people wearing hats or long sleeves or even umberellas up in the summer to keep the sun off them, so you certainly wouldnt look out of place.
good luck with the job offer, hope all works out for you
Jul 24th 2007, 3:25 am
#6
Where traffic lights rule
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Brighton QLD
Posts: 2,460
Re: Living in Australia with vitiligo
The MIL has that and she is asking the same question.
But to be honest most people walk around here with Nuclear strength suncream in anyway so vitiligo might now be such of an issue.
But to be honest most people walk around here with Nuclear strength suncream in anyway so vitiligo might now be such of an issue.
I have two job offers in Australia - Brisbane and Adelaide. I'm very tempted by both of them, but I have a health issue that might be a problem Down Under: I have a skin condition - vitiligo - that makes me fear the Australian sun. Anyone else affected by this thing? what do you actually do, how do you manage to get along with your life in the australian climate?
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).
I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white
on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
Jul 24th 2007, 3:58 am
#7
...giving optimism a go?!
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Brisbane (leafy, hilly western suburbs)
Posts: 2,202
Re: Living in Australia with vitiligo
My mother has vitiligo.
You might find that Australia is actually EASIER to deal with climate than UK! Australians are used to sheltering form the sun, have a culture of sun avoidance thats taken seriously and have some of the finest sun protection products available anywhere in the world!
Brisbane may be the skin cancer capital of the world - but its also where the best sun protective clothing and creams get designed and made and where (if anywhere) the first breakthroughs in skin cancer research will occur!
You might find that Australia is actually EASIER to deal with climate than UK! Australians are used to sheltering form the sun, have a culture of sun avoidance thats taken seriously and have some of the finest sun protection products available anywhere in the world!
Brisbane may be the skin cancer capital of the world - but its also where the best sun protective clothing and creams get designed and made and where (if anywhere) the first breakthroughs in skin cancer research will occur!
Jul 24th 2007, 4:00 am
#8
Where traffic lights rule
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Brighton QLD
Posts: 2,460
Re: Living in Australia with vitiligo
Yep, I actually got paler when I moved here 
My mother has vitiligo.
You might find that Australia is actually EASIER to deal with climate than UK! Australians are used to sheltering form the sun, have a culture of sun avoidance thats taken seriously and have some of the finest sun protection products available anywhere in the world!
Brisbane may be the skin cancer capital of the world - but its also where the best sun protective clothing and creams get designed and made and where (if anywhere) the first breakthroughs in skin cancer research will occur!
You might find that Australia is actually EASIER to deal with climate than UK! Australians are used to sheltering form the sun, have a culture of sun avoidance thats taken seriously and have some of the finest sun protection products available anywhere in the world!
Brisbane may be the skin cancer capital of the world - but its also where the best sun protective clothing and creams get designed and made and where (if anywhere) the first breakthroughs in skin cancer research will occur!
Jul 24th 2007, 4:06 am
#9
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Oz -> UK -> San Diego
Posts: 9,912
Re: Living in Australia with vitiligo
Here in Los Angeles, I have seen several people with vitiligo....Indian, white, black and Hispanic Doesnt seem to be interfering with their lives.
Best wishes
OD
Doesnt seem to be interfering with their lives.Best wishes
OD
Jul 24th 2007, 4:10 am
#10
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,834
Re: Living in Australia with vitiligo
I have two job offers in Australia - Brisbane and Adelaide. I'm very tempted by both of them, but I have a health issue that might be a problem Down Under: I have a skin condition - vitiligo - that makes me fear the Australian sun. Anyone else affected by this thing? what do you actually do, how do you manage to get along with your life in the australian climate?
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).
I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white
on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
Jul 24th 2007, 7:14 am
#11
Account Closed
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,784
Re: Living in Australia with vitiligo
I have two job offers in Australia - Brisbane and Adelaide. I'm very tempted by both of them, but I have a health issue that might be a problem Down Under: I have a skin condition - vitiligo - that makes me fear the Australian sun. Anyone else affected by this thing? what do you actually do, how do you manage to get along with your life in the australian climate?
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).
I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white
on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
Jul 24th 2007, 6:54 pm
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 270
Re: Living in Australia with vitiligo
When we lived in Cairns I heard someone say to the wife
"You can tell your a pom, youv'e got a sun tan."
The Aussies stay out or cover up
"You can tell your a pom, youv'e got a sun tan."
The Aussies stay out or cover up
Jul 25th 2007, 2:52 am
#13
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Carramar in Perth's northern suburbs
Posts: 1,129
Re: Living in Australia with vitiligo
I have two job offers in Australia - Brisbane and Adelaide. I'm very tempted by both of them, but I have a health issue that might be a problem Down Under: I have a skin condition - vitiligo - that makes me fear the Australian sun. Anyone else affected by this thing? what do you actually do, how do you manage to get along with your life in the australian climate?
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).
I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white
on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
He has seen a plethora of so called 'specialists' and dermotologists............. but apparently there is no known cure? Just recently he has been seeing a doctor in Ocean Reef who deals in natural type medicine and we have definitely noticed changes to his skin pigmentation.
The sun hasn't been a problem to him. People who don't know him quite often ask if he's got paint on his hand and his elbows? He used to be embarrassed about that but not anymore; he has grown to accept it for what it is.
Apparently he can apply make-up to cover up the whiteness........ but he doesn't bother.
Jul 25th 2007, 6:39 am
#14
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Noosa Heads
Posts: 3,507
Re: Living in Australia with vitiligo
I have two job offers in Australia - Brisbane and Adelaide. I'm very tempted by both of them, but I have a health issue that might be a problem Down Under: I have a skin condition - vitiligo - that makes me fear the Australian sun. Anyone else affected by this thing? what do you actually do, how do you manage to get along with your life in the australian climate?
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).
I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
Vitiligo is a condition where you lose your skin pigment - you basically become swedish-white
on the affected areas; the downside is that you're left with zero natural UV protection, hence you're prone to all sort of nasties, from annoying burns right to the dreaded melanoma (after foolish and prolonged exposure, of course).I realise that living in Australia and trying to avoid the sun (for the most part of the day) may sound exceedingly stupid; still, some australians too have vitiligo - how do they cope?
Any personal experiences much appreciated.
Hi there I have this lovely skin condition - nil problems experienced here, just plenty of sunblock, SPF 40, cover up and have 6 mthly skin checks with GP!
Jul 25th 2007, 7:20 am
#15
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2006
Location: 'stralia
Posts: 2,383
Re: Living in Australia with vitiligo
Until scientists really understand the cause, they will not be able to develop a truly effective treatment.
Of course it is quite capable of changing & disappearing completely on its own! Which doesn't help with developing treatments as you need large-scale studies to prove efficacy - and it just doesn't have the same profile or cache as other conditions. To be fair it's not directly life-threatening, so probably a case of sticking with the sunblock!