A man has sought a divorce from his 36-year-old wife after she lost her hair due to illness two years ago. -- Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
SHANGHAI (SCMP): A woman in China who suffers from baldness on the top of her head because of a skin disease has been cruelly divorced by her husband, arousing much sympathy on social media.
The 36-year-old, who lives in Shangqiu, central Henan province, said her husband did not care for her at all; instead he has disdained her since she became ill two years ago, Henan TV reported.
“I have devoted myself to the family. I take care of our child, wash clothes, prepare food and do other domestic chores,” the wife, surnamed Li, was quoted as saying.
“I have never seen such a ruthless man,” she said.
Li sought help from the media because she was “despondent and often in a daze” because of the man’s attitude.
Two years ago a big patch of her hair suddenly turned grey. Doctors diagnosed it was caused by vitiligo, a chronic skin condition which leads to pigment loss in skin, hair and mucous membranes.
Since then, her outer appearance has aged dramatically.
Due to her hair loss, some children on the street mock Li by calling her Qiu Qianchi, an ugly character in the television drama The Romance of the Condor Heroes, which is adapted from a wuxia novel by Jin Yong.
Li wearing a hat and mask as she continues being interviewed. -- Photo: Baidu/SCMP
Li said her husband has never gone to hospital with her or asked about her condition because he did not want to pay her medical bills.
“Since I got this disease he never took me to parties or had dinners with his relatives or friends. He said I would make him lose face,” Li said.
The couple has been married for 16 years until recently.
Li said she had to accept the man’s divorce proposal, with their child’s guardianship granted to her.
The man’s response to Li’s accusations has not been reported.
Lu Manchun, a senior doctor from Zhengzhou Leukoderma Hospital in Henan, said vitiligo could occur on any part of the body.
Its prevalence is estimated to be 0.5 to 2 per cent around the globe, according to Lu.
“The leukasmus on her head was not so serious at first, but expanded and developed quickly due to her anxiety, anger and other bad feelings,” said the doctor.
Lu pointed out that a good mind and mood are an effective medicine for the condition.
“I will let go of my past and cooperate with the treatment in a positive manner,” said Li.
Mainland social media has been captivated by the story.
“Treat yourself well. When there is no one to depend on, you need to depend on yourself. It is not a big deal, sister,” one online observer said.
“It is hard to cure this disease and the medical costs are high. I hope you recover soon,” said another.
While a third person said: “It is a common phenomenon that a woman divorces because a man does not have money while a man divorces because a woman becomes ugly.” -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
