When 11-year-old Vanessa first noticed changes in her skin at age nine, neither she nor her family fully understood what was happening. What began as a couple of small patches eventually led to a diagnosis of vitiligo, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects how the skin produces pigment.
Today, with expert care at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital (YNHCH) and a strong support system at home, Vanessa is not only managing her condition but thriving.
Understanding Vitiligo
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks melanocytes – the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. As a result, areas of skin lose their pigment and appear white.
According to Richard Antaya, MD, a pediatric dermatologist at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital and professor of Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, vitiligo affects approximately 1.4 percent of the population, and about half of cases begin before age 20. While it can appear at any point in childhood, it is most seen in school-aged children.
‘There are genetic factors that can predispose someone to developing vitiligo,” said Dr. Antaya. “But typically, an unknown trigger activates the immune system to attack melanocytes.”
There are two main types of vitiligo:
- Generalized vitiligo – affects multiple areas of the body and may spread over time
- Segmental vitiligo – localized and less likely to spread
In Vanessa’s case, she has generalized vitiligo.
Unlike many other skin conditions, vitiligo is almost always painless and does not itch. Instead, it is typically noticed because of its visible changes in skin appearance.
Vanessa’s Diagnosis and Early Experience
Vanessa’s first signs appeared shortly after a severe poison ivy reaction. What began as a patch on her arm, along with a small area on her neck, prompted her family to seek answers.
‘We knew very little about vitiligo at first,” said Beth, Vanessa’s mother. “We started learning about it after the diagnosis and connected with others living with it to better understand what this journey looks like.”
As the condition progressed from mild to moderate, the family sought specialized care at YNHCH where they received a referral to see Dr. Antaya and his team in November 2025.
Treatment Plan
Given the extent of Vanessa’s vitiligo, Dr. Antaya recommended narrowband UVB phototherapy, a treatment Vanessa began shortly after her diagnosis.
This therapy involves controlled exposure to ultraviolet light several times a week. Vanessa stands in a full-body light booth during each session, wearing protective eyewear.
“Ultraviolent light helps stimulate melanocytes to move back into affected areas of skin,” added Dr. Antaya. “This can lead to repigmentation, essentially shrinking the white patches.”
There are some potential side effects, including mild skin irritation or redness, and in rare cases, burns if the dose is too high. Vanessa occasionally experiences minor irritation after treatments, which she soothes using fresh aloe.
“Barbie Like Me”
At Vanessa’s very first appointment, she received a special gift: a Barbie doll with vitiligo.
The dolls, part of Mattel’s inclusivity efforts, were provided through the “Barbie Like Me” campaign. This program was initiated by Diana Zarowin while she was a medical student at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
On a follow-up visit, Vanessa received a matching Ken doll.
‘She was thrilled,” added Beth. “It made her so happy to see a doll that looked like her.”
Dr. Antaya currently has about 30 vitiligo dolls available to give to patients. He said these gifts can play an important role in helping children feel seen and accepted.
Vanessa has a simple but powerful message for others – ‘vitiligo is just a condition, nothing bad!’
