Watford mum opens up after son develops vitiligo

Lisa Frontino’s six-year-old son Ram was diagnosed with autoimmune disorder vitiligo after suffering a minor injury near his eye.

Vitiligo is caused by a lack of pigment called melanin, which is produced by cells called melanocytes and is responsible for giving skin its colour.

Mum-of-two Lisa, 38, said: “One of the worst feelings that a parent could experience is to witness their children becoming vulnerable to the outside world.

Lisa's son Ram

“I barely knew the condition at the beginning and started to worry what my boy had to endure for the rest of his life.

“When his condition began to look more prominent, I noticed a change in the way some children and adults approached him, it was disheartening and heartbreaking.”

The condition, which affects between 0.5 and 1 per cent of people worldwide, can impact any area of skin with the mouth, eyes, fingers and wrists among the most common.

It is unclear why the melanocytes disappear from the affected areas of skin, according to the NHS.

Lisa Frontino

Since her son’s diagnosis, Lisa has been determined to raise awareness and promote a culture where people of all ages celebrate their bodies for their uniqueness.

She is set to run the London Marathon to raise money for the Vitiligo Society, which researches the condition and provides support for those suffering with it.

Lisa, who works as a governance professional, added: “Initially I had so many questions and no clear directions on where to seek answers from, until I learnt about the Vitiligo Society.

“With them I found a community where I realised that I wasn’t the only worrying parent or my son the only child with the skin condition. 

"I feel strong knowing that there is a safe place for support and guidance.”

Ahead of World Vitiligo Day next month, she added: “No matter how big or small your contribution is, it is a noble act of generosity and kindness that will make a difference in someone’s life.”

To donate click here.