FORMER Coronation Street star Georgia May Foote has revealed a skin condition is making her feel insecure after it spread on holiday.
The actress, 33, lives with vitiligo, which the NHS describes as a long term condition caused by a lack of melanin, a pigment in the skin.
It can affect any part of the body, but in the Georgia's case it is predominantly on her hands and fingers.
She shared pictures on Instagram highlighting how the pigment on her skin is changing.
"Everytime I go on holiday and I get a beautiful tan, I see how much my vitiligo has spread more than ever before," wrote Georgia.
"I would be lying if I didn’t say it gets to me. It makes me feel super insecure at times. But seeing how the people around me support me and still love me the same makes my heart feel full."
While many are empathetic and kind, the behaviour of others has left Georgia feeling uncomfortable as she notices their stares and facial expressions.
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She continued: "I’ve noticed people staring, having a good old nosy with their faces screwed up, and that’s when my heart drops.
"So this is just a friendly reminder to those people to be kind. I’m sure the way it makes you feel is nothing in comparison to how the person with it feels.
"I’m proud to be a voice for people like me with the condition. I battle with how I feel about it every day. Today’s one of those days I remember there is nothing I can do about it.
"So here we are. Showing it in all its glory (I do have lipstick on, but my whole colour has now gone in and around my lips)."
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She received an abundance of positive messages from fans.
One commented: "Honestly, I think vitiligo is beautiful, on any person, gender, skin tone, I think it looks gorgeous. Embrace it."
Another said: "Beautiful and unique just like you x.
A third posted: "You’re SO beautiful and such an inspiration xx."
Georgia played Corrie character Katy Armstrong for five years but is now working as a nail technician.
She also finished as a runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing and had a romance with dancer Giovanni Pernice.
Georgia, who is now married to husband Kris Evans, qualified as a technician in 2021 and launched her own business GMF Nails based in Middleton, Manchester.
Last year she announced she was running one-on-one tutorials.
Vitiligo: What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of vitiligo is flat, white spots or patches on your skin.
Initially, the vitiligo may start as a patch of skin that is paler than the rest.
Gradually, the patch will become completely white as the pigment in the skin begins to fade.
Vitiligo does not cause discomfort to your skin, such as dryness, but patches may occasionally be itchy, guidance states.