What are those spots on your hands?

Jacqueline has Vitiligo

Rachel van Westen

Jacqueline Boonman has Vitiligo, a pigment disorder of a chronic nature. PHOTO: Rachel van Westen Photo:
At first glance there is nothing visible about Jacqueline Boonman from Heinkenszand, but if you look closely at her hands, you will see that she has white spots there.

“Look, I have it here too,” she says, showing her elbows. Jacqueline has Vitiligo. But what is that actually?

heinkenszand – According to the skin fund, Vitiligo is a pigment disorder of a chronic nature. It can be recognized by white spots that vary in shape and size. Vitiligo occurs in approximately two percent of the Dutch population. It can start at any age, but according to the information from the skin fund, it is not congenital. “It started for me when I was about eighteen,” says Jacqueline. “And although it is said not to be hereditary, my mother had it too. It may sound strange, but for me that was a big advantage, because because I had always seen it with my mother, I didn't think it was strange at all when I got it myself. I also have to say that I have never had any negative reactions to it and neither has my mother. As a RT-er I work a lot with children. I sometimes see adults watching, but they don't mention it. Children can sometimes ask from their childish freedom: 'What is that?' When I say that they are white spots that won't go away, some people want to feel them and then it's always okay. I actually find that the most pleasant thing to do is that it is simply asked. It's not that noticeable to me either, you actually only start to notice it better when I get tanner. I don't tan that easily, so that's fortunate. It can get worse and I have no problem with that, but I would find it more difficult if I also got it in my face. Then I will see if there is a suitable treatment. I can well imagine that people will be shocked when they discover it in themselves. That they feel insecure and anxious. I think that's a phase you have to go through. It is nice to get in touch with other people who also have it, for example via Facebook, other social media or via the Vitiligo.nl association.

‘I would find it difficult if it hit me in the face

Members day

What are the latest options for treating vitiligo? What is the connection with other autoimmune diseases? On Sunday, October 6, members of Vitiligo.nl will be informed about this at the annual members day in Amsterdam. Members of Vitiligo.nl have now received an invitation by email. Are you not yet a member, but would you like to join? You can become a member for 28 euros per year and you can still register for the members day in Amsterdam. You can read more information at www.vitiligo.nl.