Former Coronation Street star Georgia May Foote has spoken openly about being diagnosed with vitiligo almost seven years ago, after noticing symptoms in 2020. She now dedicates time to raising awareness and encouraging others to embrace the condition, which she says is often dismissed as a "cosmetic issue."
Discovery and misdiagnosis
Foote, who played Katy Armstrong on Coronation Street from 2010 to 2015, noticed two small patches on her chest in 2020 and was initially told she had a treatable condition called tinea versicolour. She said she knew she was being "fobbed off," begged for a referral, and was later diagnosed with vitiligo and discharged the same day with zero help.
According to the NHS, vitiligo is a long-term condition in which pale white patches appear on the skin, triggered by a shortage of melanin. It can affect any part of the body but most commonly appears on the face, neck, hands, and in skin creases. The lighter patches are particularly susceptible to sunburn, making it essential to apply sunscreen with a high SPF.
Living with the condition
Foote, 35, shared a photo of herself on Instagram, writing: "Let's talk about my vitiligo." She explained that seven years later she has lost nearly all the pigment in her hands, armpits and elbows, with her arms, legs, feet, hips, stomach and face also affected.
She admitted that the hardest part is her face, as she receives "stares" and "comments" from strangers, though she said the "support" she has received is "heartwarming." She also spoke about treatment, saying she has been on a wait list for light therapy for a year and has lost double the amount of colour in that time.
Reaction and support
Foote criticised AI-generated images of people with vitiligo, saying she loves seeing the condition represented online and in stores but hates fake AI content. She described her experience as a "rollercoaster," adding that her heart is the same and the condition has made her a kinder person.
She concluded her message by encouraging people to "be kind," quoting her friend Caroline Flack, who passed away in 2020. In the comments, one person shared a similar journey, saying they hid their spots with makeup for years but now feel comfortable owning them, while actress Laila Rouass called Foote "an inspiration and proper role model by redefining what beauty means."
