The normal B12 consumption is 2.4 μg per day. Only fifty to sixty percent is absorbed [16,17]. Vitamin B12 has been shown to be useful for repigmentation in patients suffering from vitiligo. Folic acid (or vitamin B9) has been proven to be significant for treating vitiligo.
Avoid sour food
The sourness of the food may potentially inhibit the production of melanin due to its acidic nature. Patients with vitiligo are suggested to refrain from eating citrus fruits, sour yogurt, sour pickles, and other sour foods. However, ripe fruits that are rich in vitamin C may be consumed.
It is also advised to avoid milk and milk products to some extent as milk protein may reduce the re-pigmentation cycle. Black/Red gram or Desi-chana (Chickpeas), Black dates, Red Radish, Beetroot and Carrot are helpful in Vitiligo and considered as Vitiligo diet.
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.
Known vitiligo triggers include: A severe sunburn. Injured skin (cut, scrape, burn) Getting a strong chemical like phenol on your skin.
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].
Topical steroids come as a cream or ointment you apply to your skin. They can sometimes stop the spread of the white patches and may restore some of your original skin colour. A topical steroid may be prescribed to adults if: you have non-segmental vitiligo on less than 10% of your body.
Several supplements have been studied, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. Most studies agree that combining vitamin B12, folic acid, and sun exposure is good for inducing repigmentation.
Known as phototherapy, this treatment uses specific types of UV light to both suppress the skin's immune system and stimulate melanocytes to produce more melanin. The most common type of phototherapy used for vitiligo, narrowband UVB treatment, is often combined with other topical treatments to improve results.
About 10% to 20% of people who have vitiligo fully regain their skin color.
After 6 to 12 months, segmental vitiligo tends to stabilize, meaning that the color loss stops. Once it stops, most people with segmental vitiligo don't develop new patches or spots.
There are many home remedies available used to cure Vitiligo and mustard oil is one such ingredient. It is the most popular and scientifically proven method for the treatment of Vitiligo.
However, for many people with vitiligo, the white patches begin to appear before age 20, and can start in early childhood. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid
This is why it is always recommended to take these two vitamins together in order to treat vitiligo. According to some scientific studies, a combination of vitamin B12 and folic acid supplementation and sun exposure is a good strategy to regain natural skin color.
There's no specific diet plan recommended to treat vitiligo. Still, most research suggests eating a nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich diet filled with fruits and vegetables. It's important to maintain a healthy diet throughout your life to reduce the risk of chronic disease and promote overall health and wellness.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo extracts have been shown to be effective for the treatment of different diseases, such as allergies, varicose vein, premenstrual syndrome, headache, vertigo and others [1]. In the last few years, gingko extracts have also been used for the treatment of vitiligo.
According to Healthline, foods like bananas, apples, radish, carrots, chickpeas, figs and dates can be helpful in preventing vitiligo. People with celiac disease who eat gluten-free diet can benefit from it and reduce the symptoms of vitiligo.
Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as almond, walnuts, avocado and fatty fish forms a vital part of the vitiligo diet as it is known to improve blood circulation, prevent inflammation and trigger the immune system.