Description

In this joyous episode of the Skincredible podcast, Dr. Lisa Swanson sits down with Brielle and her parents, Randi and Mark, to share their family's journey with childhood vitiligo. Diagnosed at just two years old, Brielle has grown into a confident, funny, and resilient young girl who proudly says, "It's beautiful," when asked about her skin.

Together, they discuss the emotional roller coaster of receiving a diagnosis, navigating misinformation, finding the right medical team, and balancing treatment with unconditional self-acceptance. Randi and Mark share the challenges of making treatment decisions for a young child while empowering Brielle to love herself every step of the way, including gifting her teachers a vitiligo book at the start of every school year to read with the class.

You'll also hear about the life-changing impact of Camp Victory, the importance of representation through dolls, books, and role models like Winnie Harlow, and the everyday moments that have helped Brielle build confidence. She has learned to answer other people's questions about her skin, how to take charge of her own treatment routine, and even how to be mindful about her own curiosity when seeing children who look or act differently than she's used to.

If you're a parent of a child with vitiligo, someone living with a skin condition, or simply looking for an inspiring conversation about resilience, community, and embracing what makes us unique, this episode is full of wisdom, honesty, and hope.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that confidence doesn't come from skin that is perceived as "perfect." It comes from feeling loved, supported, and empowered to be exactly who you are.

Keywords
Dermatology, Oral Steroids, Topical Corticosteroids, Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus, Opzelura, Vitiligo, Light Therapy, Sunlight, TSW, Excimer, Narrowband Light, Heliocare, Pulsed Dose Steroids, Oral JAK Inhibitors, Depigmentation, Hypopigmentation, Xeljanz, Koebner phenomenon, confetti depigmentation, Rinvoq, Litfulo, Povorcitinib, Camp Victory

Links, Attachments

Global Vitiligo Foundation’s Camp Victory: https://globalvitiligofoundation.org/camp-victory/

Book Mentioned by Brielle’s Parents on Amazon (NOT affiliated): https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063119978?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Chapters

00:00 A Special Message For NPs and PAs

02:19 Intro and Welcome to Brielle

04:10 “I’m Famous at My School”

05:00 Brielle’s Diagnosis and Starting to Treat Vitiligo

08:00 Winnie Harlow & Michael Jackson Affected by Vitiligo

09:36 Parents Empowering Their Children, Positive Energy

11:00 Brielle’s First Memory of Vitiligo

12:40 Friends as Advocates, New Environments

14:06 Representation of Vitiligo in Dolls and Toys

16:00 Undue Stress Due to Misinformation

19:00 Importance of Experience in Conditions in Trusting Practitioners

21:00 Seeking a Second Opinion

22:45 Camp Victory: A Skin Party

29:30 Spicy Pickles

31:00 Balancing Treatments, Confidence & Side Effects

37:00 Advice for Taking Pills, Heliocare

41:00 Blood Draws

43:00 Parental Words of Wisdom & Advice for Other Parents

46:30 Curiosity and Other People’s Comments

48:00 Thank you and Goodbye

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.