Chinese Husband Demands Divorce Over Wife's Vitiligo-Related Hair Loss: "Anxiety and Anger Worsened Her Condition"

Diagnosed with Vitiligo Due to Lack of Melanin Cells
"I Was Devoted All Along, But He Openly Ignored Me"

The story of a Chinese husband who turned away from his wife and even demanded a divorce because he was "embarrassed" by her hair loss caused by a medical condition has shocked local netizens.

According to the Hong Kong media outlet South China Morning Post (SCMP) on January 25 (local time), a woman named Li, 35, living in Henan Province, China, divorced her husband after 16 years of marriage. Two years ago, Li developed a condition that caused her hair to turn white, and medical professionals diagnosed her with vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a condition in which a lack or dysfunction of melanin cells in the body leads to white patches on the skin. Melanin cells are responsible for producing pigment in the skin, hair, and irises. Vitiligo occurs when the body's immune cells attack melanin cells instead of bacteria.

Chinese woman Li with vitiligo. Screenshot from SCMP

Although the exact cause of onset remains unknown, it has been reported that 15 to 20 percent of vitiligo patients have a family history of the condition. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays and skin trauma are also considered major causes.

After developing vitiligo, Li experienced significant hair loss near the crown of her head, and her skin began to age rapidly. She told the media that her husband started to openly ignore her after she was diagnosed with vitiligo.

Li explained, "I devoted myself to housework and raising our child for the sake of my family, but my husband never accompanied me to the hospital for treatment, and he was reluctant to spend money on my medical bills. He refused to take me to gatherings with friends or relatives, saying it would be embarrassing." The neighbors were equally cold. Local reports say that when Li walked down the street, children would call out the names of ugly characters from novels to mock her. Li added that such cold treatment from those around her led to severe depression.

Regarding Li's symptoms, medical professionals said, "Li's hair loss was not severe in the early stages of her illness. However, negative emotions such as anxiety and anger experienced during the divorce process appear to have worsened her condition. Maintaining a positive mindset is important for treating vitiligo."

In the end, Li accepted her husband's demand for a divorce. However, she was granted custody of their child. Li expressed her determination, saying, "I will leave the past behind and focus on my treatment."

Meanwhile, after Li's story became known, Chinese netizens responded with comments such as, "The husband is selfish," "It's better that they separated," and "I hope she lives her life for herself from now on."