Akenna Kublal, 36, says developing vitiligo helped her escape an unhealthy relationship and embrace her true self.
The mother of two, who once worked as a flight attendant, first noticed changes in her skin after a knee injury in 2015. During a turbulent flight, she hit her knee on an armrest, damaging cartilage. After undergoing surgery, she left her cabin crew role and started working in administration.
Two months later, Akenna saw small white spots on the backs of her hands. At first, she assumed the marks were minor burns from hot cooking oil. But when the spots spread to her fingers, she visited a dermatologist, who diagnosed her with vitiligo—an autoimmune disorder that causes loss of pigment in the skin and hair.
Akenna believes the emotional stress of her injury may have triggered the condition. She said her symptoms worsened during a difficult period in her personal life, especially while trying to end what she described as an “unhealthy” relationship. Over time, the loss of pigment spread to her legs, feet, and eventually her face.
Despite receiving hurtful comments from strangers—some referring to her vitiligo as “that thing” on her skin—Akenna has learned to accept and even appreciate her appearance. She now views the condition as a turning point that helped her reclaim her identity and well-being.
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