The patches may remain unchanged, grow and spread, or even migrate. Among the biggest concerns with vitiligo is that the depigmented patches of skin are more susceptible to damage from the ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight.
It is thought that sunlight can be both good and bad for people with vitiligo, for several different reasons. For example, on the disadvantage side, some medical experts believe it's possible that sunburn could be a trigger for developing the skin condition.
Living with vitiligo
Be careful about exposing your skin in the sun. Your white patches are extra sensitive because the skin cells are dead. Other parts of your body may become sensitive to the sun with treatment. Sun exposure can increase the contrast between your skin colors.
Areas of vitiligo will burn easily in the sun. You should use a sunscreen with 4* or 5* UVA rating and SPF 50 and apply it to affected patches and surrounding skin before going outdoors into the sun on exposed areas to help protecting your skin.
Say Hello to Sunshine: Expose the affected areas to early morning sunlight i.e. just as soon as the sun rises as it consists of ultraviolet A-rays (320-400nm) which stimulate pigment-forming cells (melanin). However, ultraviolet rays are harmful when at their peak between 10 am to 4 pm.
The appearance of the vitiligo should not prevent you from taking your seaside or mountain vacation. Sunbathing, however, is generally not the best way to spend your time. It is particularly important to avoid sun exposure from 10 am to 4 pm (especially children).
Certain components of hair dye, bleaching agents, and skin-care products can set off a vitiligo flare. Marmon advises choosing products labeled hypoallergenic that are free of harsh chemicals, fragrances, and irritants.
Some vitiligo prevention strategies—such as diet and taking vitamins—are focused on boosting the immune system. Protecting the skin from wounds and burns may also help to prevent white patches from spreading. Vitiligo treatment options may include light therapy, camouflage therapy, repigmentation therapy, or surgery.
Studies suggest that vitamin D3 increases tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis in vitro [12], which may lead to repigmentation in vitiligo skin lesions. Calcipotriol and tacalcitol, which are vitamin D analogs, are also known to induce repigmentation in patients with vitiligo [13,14].
The patches may remain unchanged, grow and spread, or even migrate. Among the biggest concerns with vitiligo is that the depigmented patches of skin are more susceptible to damage from the ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight.
Never use a tanning bed or sun lamp.
These are not safe alternatives to the sun. These, too, can burn skin that has lost pigment and worsen vitiligo. Tanning will not tan the areas that have lost color and can actually make your vitiligo more noticeable.
As you age, Dr. Mohta says untreated vitiligo often progresses to involve the surrounding skin or create new patches of discoloration. This is also known as generalized or nonsegmental vitiligo, which is the most common type.
Light therapy.
Phototherapy with narrow band ultraviolet B (UVB) has been shown to stop or slow the progression of active vitiligo. It might be more effective when used with corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. You'll need therapy two to three times a week.
That's the bad news about segmental vitiligo. Of course, the good news is that “what you see is what you get” after about 6 months, it doesn't commonly spread to affect other areas after this.
Drinking water stored in a copper vessel will help you increase melanin in your body and reduce whiteness of patches caused by vitiligo. Basil leaves are known to have anti-aging and anti-viral properties. These properties of basil are important for dealing with vitiligo.
Potential triggers include sunburn, exposure to certain chemicals, and trauma or injury to the skin, according to the article in F1000 Research. These triggers can also prompt vitiligo to spread in people who already have the condition.
Vitiligo is a common pigmentary disorder caused by the destruction of functional melanocytes. Vitamin D is an essential hormone synthesized in the skin and is responsible for skin pigmentation. Low levels of vitamin D have been observed in vitiligo patients and in patients with other autoimmune diseases.
Vitamin C is not used and is contraindicated in treating vitiligo as it disrupts the melanin production pathways [21]. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that absorbs substances like calcium and magnesium.
Consuming 1,000–4,000 IU (25–100 mcg) of vitamin D3 daily should be ideal for most people to sustain good health. It is generally recommended that people with vitiligo keep their vitamin D levels in the mid-upper range of normal.
Skin specialists suggested recommend a healthy diet for boosting the immune system. It is believed that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, and a strong immune system can prevent the spread of the depigmentation. Fruits – Fig, apricot, and ripe mango.
How Is Vitiligo Treated? There is no "cure" for vitiligo. Sometimes patches go away on their own.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease of the skin, which means that someone with vitiligo has an immune system that is malfunctioning in a small way. The normal role of the immune system is to protect you from infections and cancer.
Vitiligo seems to be more common in people who have a family history of the disorder or who have certain autoimmune diseases, including: Addison's disease. Pernicious anemia. Psoriasis.
In conclusion, the findings from this study indicate that vitiligo patients have high levels of perceived stress. In patients predisposed to vitiligo, metabolic and psychological stress might influence the onset and progression of vitiligo.