Li Jiahao's journey with vitiligo began about a decade ago when she first noticed a white patch on her forehead. This personal experience, initially a source of concern, would later serve as the inspiration behind her creative work as an animator. Now based in Beijing, Li has channeled her experiences into art to raise awareness about the condition.

At just 24 years old, Li Jiahao has achieved significant academic milestones, graduating in 2024 with a master's degree in Character Animation from the University of the Arts London. Her graduation project, titled 'Colourful White,' is an animated documentary that explores the lives of individuals living with vitiligo, a condition she has experienced since her teenage years.

The 4.5-minute film showcases the challenges of living with vitiligo through the narratives of four diverse individuals, bringing their stories to life through animation. This creative endeavor has garnered recognition, earning Li and her team two awards, including a nomination at the British Short Film Awards, and several official selections at festivals like the London International Animation Festival.

Li expressed her fulfillment in creating work that resonates with audiences and fosters understanding of vitiligo. She emphasized the collaborative effort that went into the project, stating that the goal was to have the film seen and recognized by a wider audience.

Addressing the societal perceptions of vitiligo, Li remarked on the common fear and rejection faced by those who appear different. She hopes for a future where individuals dealing with this condition are treated as normal people, fostering greater empathy and understanding.

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly targets and destroys melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. As a result, individuals with vitiligo experience white patches on their skin, which often appear symmetrically on visible areas like the face and hands. This condition can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and depression due to its visible manifestations.

Although vitiligo is not contagious or life-threatening, its progression can be unpredictable. Various factors, such as genetics, emotional stress, and sunburn can act as triggers. Currently, there is no definitive cure, but treatments like topical creams, light therapy, or surgical options have been developed to help restore skin color.

Recalling her personal experience, Li mentioned how, during the first couple of years after her diagnosis, she actively sought medical treatments weekly to prevent further spreading of the white patch. This highlights the importance of managing the condition to maintain both physical and mental well-being.

In terms of treatment, vitiligo presents challenges due to its complex etiology. Initially, therapy focuses on halting the progressive nature of the condition by suppressing abnormal immunological activity. As the disease progresses, more invasive options, such as surgical melanocyte transplantation, may be considered.

Recent advancements in treatment have included the development of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which are the first approved drugs addressing the immune roots of vitiligo. In addition, a novel approach by a Chinese firm targeting the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in the skin is currently in final-stage trials, displaying potential in regulating inflammation and protecting pigment cells.

The global prevalence of vitiligo ranges from 0.5 percent to 2 percent, with approximately 22.83 million individuals affected in China as of 2021. There has been a gradual increase in the number of patients over recent years, highlighting the critical need for ongoing awareness and treatment advancements.