Soldier Marcus talks about his skin problems 

In the late 90s, serving British Army soldier, Marcus Davies started to develop vitiligo. No stranger to skin problems, he had suffered with psoriasis since his teens, but this time it was different. From a small white patch on his neck, within three months the vitiligo had spread to his face, spine and genital area, as well as turning his hair white.

During this particularly stressful time Marcus was subject to unpleasant nicknames and daily comments on his appearance. Although he had a great career, wife and first child, the vitiligo affected his confidence massively. Over the coming years, Marcus was advised to keep out of the sunlight and wear SPF 50. Sunny family holidays with his young children became difficult and he felt unable to do the simplest things, such as take them swimming due to his condition.

Avoiding photographs and more due to vitiligo

He shied away from family photographs and found himself fighting against medical discharge from the army in 2003. In the coming years, Marcus received regular PUVA light treatment for skin which improved his psoriasis massively, but the vitiligo remained with only minor re-pigmentation to the affected areas.

Back on regimental duty for the British Army in 2008, Marcus was promoted to Warrant Officer Class 2, his proudest career achievement. These days he is back in the civilian lifestyle after leaving the army in 2012. Whilst civilian life was a challenge at first, Marcus is now able to shut out those who stare without even realising.

Accepting vitiligo

Nowadays Marcus is happy with his job in recruitment. He even ran the world-famous London Marathon in recent years to raise money for the British Skin Foundation’s skin disease research. After raising a massive £3,100, Marcus explained “I have found a new lease of life and want to help others with skin conditions to know that it’s ok to look different – it’s the person inside who matters.” 

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