Article Hardinxveldse Nienke, 14 years old

H'VELD-G'DAM 14-year-old Nienke from Hardinxveld will soon be featured on the photo cards that the Vitiligo.nl association issues on World Vitiligo Day on Tuesday, June 25. With these beautiful photo cards, Vitiligo.nl draws attention to the pigment disorder. Role models are increasingly seeking the spotlight. The American fashion model Winnie Harlow is a famous example of this.
In our country, Leo (64), Sharista (28) and Nienke (14) also do not let themselves be stopped. On the photo cards they not only show their vitiligo, but they also proudly tell their story. Nienke had vitiligo at an early age. She tried light therapy from the age of nine, when the skin condition stabilized: this was the moment she was allowed to start it. In this way he hoped to regain the lost pigment. "I did that twice a week, fortunately at home, which saved a lot of travel time. A lot of pigment returned, especially in my face. On my arms and legs to a lesser extent.” Unfortunately, the treatment did not bring what Nienke hoped for. “The skin under my armpits burned, which hurt. Moreover, all those light treatments required a lot of time and attention. I put an end to my search: white spots or not, this is who I am! I notice that many people no longer even see my spots. They belong to me.”

The down-to-earth Nienke gave a speech about her vitiligo at primary school. In high school, fellow students immediately accepted her for who she is. “And if I go swimming or exercise, I wear short clothes. The only thing I pay extra attention to is applying a lot of sunscreen. I need that preparation.”