Nutrition for Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a genetic, autoimmune skin disorder in which a loss of skin pigmentation results in white patches on various parts of the body. Current treatments are aimed at stopping or slowing the progression of lost pigment. Manipulating one's diet may be helpful in managing certain skin conditions, such as vitiligo.

Many vitiligo patients ask is whether their diet makes any difference to their skin condition.
Current research suggests that changing the food you eat is not going to cure your vitiligo. However, this may well help if you are not eating a healthy, varied, balanced diet at the moment. You need to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables (at least five servings per day), as well as a variety of starchy foods and proteins. Try to cut down on fatty, rich foods and processed foods, which have fewer nutrients. A healthy diet, including drinking plenty of water, is good for you generally, not just your skin!
Such a diet is needed to give you a good supply of the nutrients which promote healthy skin and are involved in the pigmentation process:
Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Beta carotene
Minerals (copper, iron and zinc)
Unfortunately there are no known particular foods which will cure vitiligo and there are none which will make it worse either. It will not help to avoid particular food groups. It is not true (as has been suggested in some cultures) that avoiding white foods can lead to an improvement in vitiligo. White foods include dairy products, which are a good source of calcium, particularly important for young children to develop strong bones and teeth. The body is complex, requiring a wide, balanced range of nutrients to maintain it in a healthy state. These nutrients need each other to function effectively. This is why picking out one type of food, vitamin or mineral to take as a supplement is not usually helpful.
Individuals with malfunctioning stomachs do not absorb vitamin B12 and folic acid very well. This may be part of the reason why these nutrients, along with vitamin C, are often successfully used as part of a vitiligo repigmentation program. I usually recommend folic acid, 5 milligrams along with vitamin C, 1000 milligrams, twice daily. For the best chance of success, the vitamin B12 should be given by injection, 1000 micrograms weekly. Since vitamin B12'S usually safe, I recommend learning self-injection both for convenience and to control costs. Several months are usually required before early repigmentation is seen. If you need to locate a physician who can help you with necessary prescriptions, you might call the American College of Advancement in Medicine, I'll give you their number later in this brief.

Melanin, the normal body pigment, is synthesized from the essential amino acid L-phenylalanine by an enzyme system dependent on copper, vitamin B6, vitamin C. That's why these nutrients are all part of vitiligo repigmentation programs, also.

Vitiligo Treatment Hospital In China

Vitiligo (vit-ill-EYE-go) is a disorder in which white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. This happens because the cells that make pigment (color) in the skin are destroyed. These cells are called melanocytes (ma-LAN-o-sites). Vitiligo can also affect the mucous membranes (such as the tissue inside the mouth and nose) and the eye.

Beijing CASU Vitiligo Hospital specialized in vitiligo diagnosis and treat, did many science researches and become the professional institution enjoy the most concern and support in the world health organization in the Asian-pacific region.
In the may 2014, the 67th world health assembly passed a strategy on traditional medicine during the period of 2014-2023, urged governments in all countries to attach importance to the role of traditional medicine in health to further improve the normative and security of the traditional medicine help to promote vitiligo treatment by combining traditional Chinese and western medicine treatment.
Beijing CASU vitiligo hospital had authority about combining traditional Chinese and western medicine treatment of vitiligo have attracting many experts from home and abroad come to study and establish multiple co-operations. Successively co-operated with the old expert technical center, Chinese academy of sciences, the capital medical university friendship hospital and medical treatment, RCP, the university of Washington school of medicine skin disease reach center, dermatologist association of Canada hospital and other scientific research institutions to build the scientific research and remote diagnosis and treatment platform.

Learn about The Best Vitiligo Hospital

PUVA Light and Narrowband UVB Light Treatment for Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a condition where white patches develop on your skin. It is due to loss of colour (pigment) from areas of your skin. There are usually no other symptoms but the appearance of your skin can be distressing. Affected areas of skin can be covered by skin camouflage creams. Treatment has improved in recent years and in some cases the pigment can be restored.

PUVA Light Treatment for Vitiligo
PUVA treatment is used in some hospitals. It involves taking medication as well as light treatment. The letters PUVA stand for Psoralen and Ultra Violet light A. Psoralens are chemicals found in plants, which make the skin more sensitive to light (either natural sunlight or UVA rays). Psoralen may be given as capsules to swallow, one or two hours before treatment. It may also be given as a lotion to paint on the white skin patches or to dissolve into bathwater (in which you have to soak for a short period before UVA treatment). You should not take psoralens if you are pregnant.
Because psoralen makes your eyes sensitive to sunlight, you need to wear dark glasses to protect your eyes for at least eight hours after taking the capsule. You also need to be careful that you are not taking or using other substances that are making your skin more sensitive to the UVA rays. These substances include some medicines, including complementary or herbal medicines. They also include coal tar or disinfectant soap and some deodorants, perfumes and aftershaves.
Narrowband UVB Light Treatment for Vitiligo
Narrowband UVB is now the most common type of light treatment for the treatment of vitiligo. It uses light of a specific UVB wavelength, which has proved to be to be more effective than using standard UVB. There are a number of advantages over PUVA. Narrowband UVB treatment:
Does not require additional medication, so you do not need to take special precautions before and after treatment.
The normal skin does not develop the deep tan usual with PUVA treatment, so the contrast between normal skin and the treated vitiligo skin is less obvious.
Exposure to the light is for much shorter periods.
The different light source reduces the possible risk of skin cancer.
UVB treatment does not tend to damage the skin nearly as much as PUVA can.
It is a safer treatment for children than PUVA.

Treatment studies suggest that it is a more effective treatment than PUVA.

The Better Diet Treatment For Vitiligo

Due to vitiligo the lack of control over your body’s appearance can at times makes you feel helpless and devastated. However, food is one area where you can try to make some positive changes in your life that are likely to help control the spread of the disease. Although there is no particular vitiligo diet, a balanced, healthy blend of nutrition from all food groups can be a good way of revitalizing your skin and boosting your immunity, confidence and self-esteem.
People with vitiligo may be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals such as B12, folic acid, and zinc, according to the Vitiligo Support International. Before taking any supplements to replenish lost nutrients, try eating foods that are rich in them. Vitamin B12 can be found in meat, dairy products, fish, and shellfish. Folate, the natural form of folic acid, can be found in fruits, dried beans and peas, and fruits. Zinc can be found in beef, shellfish, nuts, and legumes.

Some of the food groups that are vitally important in your quest to beating Vitiligo:
Meat is the main source of protein, but it is important to balance your intake with other proteins such as soy beans, bananas, watermelon, leafy lettuce and sunflower sprouts.
Don’t listen to all those nay-sayers when it comes to oils and fats. Consuming the right oils and fats can boost your cardiovascular system, as well as your immune system.
Omega 3 fatty acids are an essential part of the anti Vitiligo diet. These essential fatty acids offer a number of health benefits, including better circulation levels, prevention of inflammation and boosting your immune system. Some sources of Omega 3 include salmon, walnuts and avocado.
When selecting fruits and vegetables to include in your diet, make sure to go as colourful as possible. Opt for beetroots, spinach, dark green leafy vegetables and carrots.
Drink plenty of water, at least 2 litres a day.
Avoid the bad stuff for vitiligo patients
The foods mentioned above will help greatly in your fight against Vitiligo, but they can only do so much. While including as many of the above in your diet, you also need to avoid certain foods that will make your symptoms worse.
Some of the foods that have been linked to Vitiligo are:
Some people are allergic to Gluten without ever knowing it. You might be suffering from infammation because of this, while not experiencing any outer signs of this allergy. This can cause havock on your immune system.
Acidic foods, such as lemons, can increase the acid levels in your stomach. This imbalance can worsen your symptoms.
There are certain vegetables, called Nightshades, that cause inflammation, and have been known to cause Vitiligo. Some of these nightshades that you should avoid is: tomatoes, white eggplant, paprika, potatoes and tobacco.
Processed foods should be avoided as much as possible. These are high in unhealthy preservatives, which has a negative impact on your immune system.

Fast foods and soft drinks can be found around every corner, but they are some the biggest culprits in your diet. These are very bad for your skin, and those sugary soft drinks will slow down your metabolism.

Diet Treatment for Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a genetic, autoimmune skin disorder in which a loss of skin pigmentation results in white patches on various parts of the body. Current treatments are aimed at stopping or slowing the progression of lost pigment. Manipulating one's diet may be helpful in managing certain skin conditions, such as vitiligo. People with vitiligo may need to follow a special diet to prevent the condition from worsening or to replenish any nutritional deficiencies that may occur.

Vegetables and fruits on top
Antioxidants, phytochemicals, beta carotene in these bounties of nature support your immunity, promote healthy skin and may aid in the pigmentation process. Antioxidants and beta carotene neutralize free radicals and protect against their damage.
The major antioxidant nutrients are vitamins A, C, E, folic acid, polyphenolic flavonoids and some minerals like selenium, copper and zinc. Apples, bananas and citrus fruits are some great choices and must be included in your vitiligo diet. However, blueberries and pears should probably be limited or avoided as they contain natural hydroquinone, which are de-pigmenting agents.
Never let your Vitamins go
A couple of research studies across the globe have discovered that vitiligo patients may have vitamin deficiencies, especially of the B12 vitamin and folic acid.
You can replenish your body by eating vitamin-rich foods. Vitamin B12 is found in meat, poultry, eggs, soy milk, dairy products, fish, and shellfish. Folate, the natural form of folic acid, is found in fruits, dried beans and green vegetables. Ensure that you get enough vitamin D and C as they’re essential for healthy skin.
You can get vitamin D naturally from moderate sunlight exposure as directed by your doctor. Moreover, foods like oily fish, cod liver oil, liver, milk, eggs, cheese, margarine, some milk powders and yogurts and some cereals are fortified with it. Citrus fruits are your go-to option for ample vitamin C. Studies have shown that Folic acid and vitamin B12 work in conjunction with vitamin C to aid in the pigmentation process.
Must Minerals
Copper, iron, zinc and calcium all play a role in the pigmentation process. Higher levels of zinc and copper have been shown to reduce premature greying hair. Low levels of both these minerals along with reduced iron levels have also been found in de-pigmented skin. Iron also has a role in the activation of tyrosinase which is an enzyme requiring copper and is essential in the pigmentation process. Zinc, an important mineral can be found in beef, shellfish, nuts, and legumes. Calcium, found in dairy products is another important nutrient for overall healthy functioning of your body which will ultimately impact your skin in a positive way.
What you can avoid

Turmeric, used as a seasoning in Eastern foods especially, has been shown to cause problems for some people, so you might consider limiting or avoiding its use.

308-nm Excimer Laser Treatment of Vitiligo

The Excimer 308 is new laser technology that delivers a specific wavelength (308nm) of UVB (Ultraviolet B) radiation. The light itself generates a monochromatic light in the ultraviolet range.

The treatment with XeCl-excimer laser generated 308-nm UVB radiation has shown promising results in patients with vitiligo.
Vitiligo is an acquired cutaneous hypopigmentary disorder, which characterized by solitary or multiple depigmented maculae or patches. The 308-nm excimer laser has been used as phototherapy on vitiligo.
The disease is associated with considerable morbidity because of a major impact on the quality of life. The treatment for vitiligo is generally unsatisfactory and challenging. There are a variety of therapeutic possibilities including topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, as well as phototherapy with Psoralen plus UVA (PUVA), narrow-band UVB, and a 308-nm excimer laser and/or lamps. Furthermore, surgical methods encompass grafting and transplantation while depigmentation treatments and psychological support may also be considered. The objective is to assess the effect of the 380-nm excimer laser in the treatment of vitiligo based on the available studies and case series.
The 308-nm excimer laser showed equivalent efficacies to 308-nm excimer lamp control and NB-UVB control concerning ≥75% re-pigmentation rate of vitiligo patches. More studies with high methodological quality, low risk of bias and more sample size are needed to confirm the conclusion.

To determine the true efficacy of the 308-nm excimer laser for the treatment of vitiligo, while taking into account confounding factors such as anatomic site of treatment, age, sex, skin type, MED, and duration of evolution of the vitiligo.

Natural Cure For Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a naturally occurring skin condition in which you will see white spots on skin in large swaths or isolated patches. These white patches result from a loss of melanin (the natural dye that gives our hair and skin their particular colors) in those particular skin cells. Vitiligo patches often expand over time, without treatment. Vitiligo symptoms also include greying or whitening of hair, including the eyelashes, and potentially lightening of color in your eye's retina.

The various effective treatments include PUVA, narrow-band UVB light, chinese medicine etc.
Phototherapy
A quick answer to the question of curing vitiligo fast is phototherapy. This medical procedure, also known as PUVA, utilizes the combination of psoralen and a UVA light. Thirty minutes after the topical ointment psoralen is applied to the affected area, it is exposed to the UVA light. At first, the skin will be a pinkish color before it returns to its normal color. For best results, this treatment should be done at least once or twice a week. However, phototherapy works best for individuals with vitiligo on less than 20% of their body.
A simpler procedure to PUVA is the utilization of the UVB light, which does not require psoralen or any other product. This treatment is still relatively new, so medical professionals are still researching potential side effects.
Chinese medicine Cure Vitiligo

According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, generally speaking, the universe is in a balanced state, so is the human body. And also the human body is also affected by the universe. And once the balance inside the human body is broken, the human body will response accordingly. Vitiligo happens also because of imbalance in human body due to some reason. So, traditional Chinese medicine doctors consider all those factors and regulate the imbalance inside the patients so that they can recover through immunity of human body of patients. And the medicine and therapies traditional Chinese medicine doctors use are all natural treatments which also focus on the original causes.

Treatment and Management For Vitiligo With Chinese Medicine

Vitiligo is painless and benign. The goal of treatment is to restore pigment to your skin, which is cosmetic. Treating vitiligo is a long-term commitment. Most therapies don’t show results for several months. Treatments include the following:

Steroids
Topical medications can be effective ways to repigment the white patches of skin. Topical steroid medications are used in children and adults. Steroids must be applied to the skin daily for at least three months before you can expect to see results. Steroid creams can have some adverse effects, including a thinning of the skin or streaks of color on the skin.
Immunomodulators
Another group of drugs called immunomodulators may also treat vitiligo. These are ointments that contain the active ingredient tacrolimus or pimecrolimus. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who have small areas of pigment loss on the face and neck usually see results with immunomodulators.
Ultraviolet Light
Ultraviolet light therapy can restore pigment in some people with vitiligo. Most often, you are required to take a medication called psoralen, which causes the skin to be more sensitive to the light treatment. Psoralen is available in both topical and oral forms. The combination of psoralen and UVA rays is called PUVA treatment. It darkens the light areas of your skin.
Since you’re more sensitive to sunlight when using psoralen, you should protect the rest of your body with sunscreen. You can get PUVA treatment several times per week in your doctor’s office.
Depigmentation
When repigmentation of the white patches fails, depigmenting the rest of your body is another treatment option. Depigmentation is reserved for those who present with vitiligo on more than half of their body. The goal is to match your normal pigmented skin to the areas affected by vitiligo.
A medication called monobenzone is applied to your skin to lighten the pigmented areas. This topical medication can bleach the skin of other people who may come into direct contact with you. Therefore, skin-to-skin contact must be avoided for two hours after treatment.
Noninvasive management of vitiligo can include makeup and sunless tanners. Tanning doesn’t help restore pigment loss from vitiligo, according to the NIAMS. Tanning makes the difference between normal and depigmented skin tone more obvious. You should use sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection to protect your skin.
Surgery Options

In severe cases, you may elect to have surgery to try to restore normal skin tone. Skin grafting takes healthy skin and places it in an area that has been affected by vitiligo. Such surgical procedures are possibilities for people whose vitiligo hasn’t improved despite several years of consistent treatment. The surgery is expensive, rarely covered by insurance, and can cause scarring.

World Vitiligo Day 2016

What is World Vitiligo Day?

World Vitiligo Day is the global Awareness Day for Vitiligo.
It’s a day that many organisations are working hard to raise the awareness of. It aims to spread the word about vitiligo, gaining awareness of the disorder and increasing support for those with it – something that is lacked in all countries.
When is it?
It is celebrated globally on June 25th every year.
Why June 25th?
This date has been proposed in memory of Michael Jackson – one of the most well-known vitiligo sufferers. VITSAF has argued that he was widely misunderstood and mocked about a condition he had no control over – and for that, believe its time to show people the real vitiligo, it’s effect and what it’s like for the millions of people who actually have it.
What can you do to help?

You can help by supporting VITSAF by getting involved in the campaign – as well as spreading the word and mustering up as much support as you can. Please click here to sign the petition.

Successful Treatment of Vitiligo

There are several treatments known in the treating of Vitiligo. Melanocyte transplants are one of the known treatments said to relieve the symptoms of Vitiligo. Because melanocytes are the cells that produce colour, a transplant is thought to treat the condition by replacing the malfunctioning or dying cells. Although patients have claimed to regain colour where the white patches once were, they have also stated that later down the line the patches have started to reappear. This treatment is of course very costly, and patients looking at using this form of treatment, need to think very carefully on the pros and cons of this operation before making a decision.

Another effective treatment of Vitiligo is that of ultraviolet light which involves using a Narrow Band – UVB ultraviolet light to help stimulate the melanocyte cells of the skin. This treatment is often used in conjunction with our Vitilox Cream or Gel. Vitiliox can be applied as a lotion directly to the affected area of the skin before and after using the UVB Narrow Band Lamp.
This treatment has shown to have very effective results, given that Vitilox controls the skin re-pigmentation when using the lamp, and also contains the necessary ingredients to protect and stimulate pigmentation after the lamp process has ended.
Laser therapy for Vitiligo
Another innovation is therapy with an excimer laser, which produces monochromatic rays at 308 nm to treat limited, stable patches of vitiligo. This new treatment is an efficacious, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for vitiligo when limited to less than 30% of the body surface. However, therapy is expensive. Localized lesions of vitiligo are treated twice weekly for an average of 24-48 sessions.
According to studies from 2004 and 2007, combination treatment with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment plus the 308-nm excimer laser is superior to 308-nm excimer laser monotherapy for the treatment of UV-resistant vitiliginous lesions. Excimer laser has been combined with both topical tacrolimus and short-term systemic corticosteroids in the setting of segmental vitiligo.

A retrospective chart and photographic review of 80 patients concluded that segmental vitiligo has a better repigmentation response with excimer laser treatment used at earlier stages of the disease.The study also concluded that long-term use and high cumulative UV energy of the excimer laser had better response.

Vitamin B12 And Vitiligo

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin used by every cell of the body for metabolism. It is also known as cobalamin and it is the vitamin with the most complex structure.

Due to overwhelming demand, VitiligoTreatment has added to its list of products our new Vitamin B12 and Folic acid supplement tablets. Taken once a day, you have 2 months supply in each bottle.
It is well documented and the Vitiligo community are well aware that the presence of these elements is vital to the prevention of Vitiligo.
If you do already have Vitiligo and it is spreading quickly, these vitamins do slow down the spread and in many cases stop the further spread of the Vitiligo condition.
Note that this product is great in maintaining a good functioning immune system.
Vitamin B12 is essential for a healthy immune system, and without it your metabolism cannot run smoothly.
This essentially leads to the further spread of Vitiligo. Approximately 15% of people don’t get enough vitamin B12 from their diet.
Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to a disturbance in the oxidation-antioxidant system of the skin.
When there is not enough vitamin B12, the conversion of homocysteine to methionine does not proceed. This leads to metabolic diseases arising from low levels of methionine but, just as importantly, it causes other conditions related to the buildup of homocysteine.
The breakdown of homocysteine produces reactive oxygen species which are harmful free radicals that increase the oxidative stress on the skin. These free radicals overwhelm the antioxidants found in the skin and cause the destruction of melanocytes.
By a similar mechanism, vitamin B12 deficiency may increase oxidative stress through folic acid deficiency.
The folic acid ingested in humans is needed to supply the pterine group of tetrahydrobiopterine, an important cofactor in the production of melanin. However, when this cofactor is unavailable, there is an accumulation of a group of related compounds called pteridines.
Oxidized pteridines are responsible for the distinctive yellow-green and bluish fluoresce of vitiligo skins under special lights. They also promote the release of hydrogen peroxide which breaks down the melanocytes.

In summary, vitamin B12 is useful in the treatment of vitiligo because it reduces the oxidative stress on melanocytes. By its antioxidant protection, it increases the lifespan of melanocytes. As long as some melanocytes are still active, vitamin B12 can also stimulate the repigmentation of vitiligo spots.

Acupuncture Treatment Cure Of Vitligo

Vitiligo is characterized by loss of pigment (melanin) in the skin, leading to bleached white spots, which may spread over a large part of the body. Auto-immunity is suspected as the cause of this condition. Western medicine prescribes some form of immunosuppressive therapy, such as topical steroids, but readily admits that it doesn’t work, and considers that there is no cure.

The goal of treating vitiligo is to restore the function of the skin and to improve the patient's appearance. Therapy for vitiligo takes a long time--it usually must be continued for 6 to 18 months. The choice of therapy depends on the number of white patches and how widespread they are and on the patient's preference for treatment. Each patient responds differently to therapy, and a particular treatment may not work for everyone. Current treatment options for vitiligo include medical, surgical, and adjunctive therapies (therapies that can be used along with surgical or medical treatments).
In Chinese medicine, we treat the whole person, not just one particular health problem. We see the body as a whole and everything affecting it including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental and familiar influences. While vitiligo has been noted to appear without symptom, when we delve deeper, it is rarely experienced by itself. Therefore, we look for the pattern in the body that this related too. Each pattern is dealt with differently, which is why it is very important to know about all other symptoms present. Here are the underlying patterns which one may see in this problem.

In order to treat the above problem, the pattern must first be identified. Once the pattern is identified, Chinese food therapy, acupuncture and herbs can be taken to restore balance in the body. When balance occurs, problems minimize and/or go away. If you have never done acupuncture, please give it a try. Giving it a try does not mean going one time. Acupuncture works best when it is done more frequently, at least in the beginning of treatment. Anywhere from 5-20 sessions may be needed for balance in the body.

Vitiligo on Knees, Legs, Feet and Toes

Vitiligo (vit-ill-EYE-go) is a disorder in which white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. This happens because the cells that make pigment (color) in the skin are destroyed. These cells are called melanocytes (ma-LAN-o-sites). Vitiligo can also affect the mucous membranes (such as the tissue inside the mouth and nose) and the eye.

Skin is the largest organ in the body. Vitiligo is one of the most common skin diseases affecting over 2% world populations and 8% of the Indians.
Vitiligo affection on the skin of legs, thighs, legs, knees, feet and toes is common.
Scattered and small patches on these parts are relatively easy to treat. Large patches of vitiligo are always difficult to treat. Those affecting bony areas such as knees, ankles are difficult to repigment.
If one has vitiligo on both sides of legs, knees, ankles, feet or toes; it is difficult to cure them. Vitiligo on toes on both sides is better controlled than cured.
If one has vitiligo on shins on both sides, it is difficult to bring color. Especially, if you find gray hair on those vitiligo spots, it may not be possible to bring color and retain it.

If one has vitiligo on tips of the toes (and finger tips), in the early stage, one should work on keeping this variety under control.

Remedies Treatment for Vitiligo

The main emphasis of vitiligo treatment is to improve the appearance of the skin. Treatment for the condition usually continues for long periods of time. The type of treatment depends upon the size and number of white patches, location and extent. The response to treatment varies from case to case. Most vitiligo treatments involve topical application of medication. In topical steroid therapy, steroid creams are used to re-pigment the white patches. This kind of therapy is especially effective when done in the initial stages. You need to apply the cream to the affected areas for a minimum period of three months. Topical steroid therapy is known to be a safe and easy treatment. However there may be some side effects of these creams such as shrinkage or streaks on the skin.

Another type of treatment for vitiligo is PUVA or psoralen and ultraviolet A therapy. The chemicals contained in psoralen react with UV light and result in skin darkening. The drug may be used orally or topically. This is a time consuming treatment and may produce severe side effects. Following treatment, the areas have to be exposed to sunlight or a UV light lamp in carefully timed sessions. In case of a fewer white patches, topical psoralen photochemotherapy is used. This treatment can also be used for children aged 2 years and above. The main side effects of this therapy are blistering and sunburn. In individuals with extensive white patches or those who do not respond to other treatments, psoralen is administered orally. Side effects of this therapy may include nausea, vomiting, itching and sunburn.
In some cases, de-pigmentation is done to treat vitiligo. This involves lightening the rest of the skin so that it matches with the white patches. This is usually recommended for those who have more than half their bodies covered with white patches. It involves application of certain drugs on the skin. Direct skin to skin contact with others must be avoided for at least two hours after application as the drug may get transferred. Redness and swelling may occur due such treatment. Some people also experience dryness and itching. There is also likely to be an increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Natural remedies for vitiligo involve the use of turmeric and mustard oil. Combine about 5 teaspoons of powdered turmeric with 250 ml of mustard oil and apply the mixture to the faded areas twice daily. Basil leaves are believed to encourage the production of melanin in the skin and can be mixed with lime juice for treating vitiligo patches. Mix a few drops each of basil leaf extract and lime juice and apply this to the affected areas. This treatment is known to bring about improvement in 5 to 6 months. Another home remedy for vitiligo involves drinking water kept in a copper utensil. This is known to have a stimulating effect on the melanocytes and thus helps in increasing melanin production. The water must be kept in the copper utensil for a night. This is not an instant cure and the practice needs to be kept up for some time to yield any results. The herb Psoralen, which is also used in medical treatments of vitiligo, can even be used in home remedies. The seeds of Psoralea and tamarind may be soaked in water for about 4 days and then dried and ground into a paste. Apply the paste to the white matches for a month. It is advisable to use this remedy with guidance from an expert. Psoralea seeds may also be soaked in ginger juice for 2 to 3 days and then ground into a powder. Add one gram of the powder to a cup of milk and consume. You can keep this up for a period of two months to bring back the pigmentation in the white patches. Psoralea can also be combined with coconut oil, barberry roots and black cumin. Coconut oil is beneficial in the treatment of various skin conditions while black cumin boosts immunity. Barberry roots contain substances that help protect the skin. The ingredients may be combined to form a paste and this should be applied to the white patches daily for 6 months.

Facts of Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a genetic, autoimmune skin disease causing loss of pigment from areas of the skin, resulting in irregular white spots or patches. Vitiligo affects about 0.5% to 1% of the population and can start at any age, but about half of those with vitiligo develop it before the age of 20, and about 95% before age 40. It affects both genders, and all races and ethnicities. Generalized vitiligo is a progressive disease resulting in somewhat unpredictable cycles of spreading and cycles of stability throughout life.

Vitiligo Facts
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder and not merely a “cosmetic” problem.
Vitiligo affects the immune system and manifests itself as a change in skin color presenting as white patches on the skin.
There is no known cure.
There is very little research funding for vitiligo to better understand the disease and develop new treatments.
Many of the currently available treatments are not covered by insurance.
70 million people across the world have vitiligo.
There are no boundaries of race, ethnicity or gender.
Vitiligo is difficult to hide. This disease is misunderstood and the isolation people with vitiligo feel can be crippling.
Anyone—children and adults representing all ethnicities— can get vitiligo at any time
20-35% of patients are children
Nearly 1% of the population are affected.
Vitiligo is NOT contagious
Psychologically devastating, many patients feel isolated and devastated by its impact on their relationships and personal and professional lives.
Various treatments, including topical creams and light therapy, can help some patients

More treatments and research are needed.