By Dale Wall
Vitiligo or leukoderma is a skin disease characterized by patches
of unpigmented skin, usually surrounded by a heavy pigmented border. The
appearance of theses white spots are caused by a general imbalance of
the immune system.
This condition usually starts with small areas of skin but spreads quickly. This skin disorder has no cure and the main goal of treatment is to slow or stop its progression.
Diet is the singular most important step in treating vitiligo. Patients must stick to a strict regimen, if any results are to be seen. E.g. avoiding all overly sour foods, including all citrus fruits - this is mainly due to their heavy vitamin C content, which subdues the body's melanin production.
Other foods such as sorrel, fish. milk, aamla and cashew nuts must be avoided at all cost. Sour foods such as all citrus fruits are to be avoided, due to the presence of Vitamin C, which represses the body's efforts in producing melanin.
There are a number of medications usually prescribed by dermatologists to help increase pigmentation in areas affected. They include topical ointments and creams, such as corticosteroid cream; which can be applied directly to the skin. Over a period of time the affected areas will darken to match other unaffected areas of the skin.
Other cures for Vitiligo are Psychotherapy, Photochemotherapy, Homeopathic treatment, Ayurvedic treatment, skin grafting treatment, surgical treatment, PUVA and laser therapy.
This method of treatment is best suited when large parts of the body are affected by vitiligo. Once depigmentation is complete, patients must be carful about stepping out in the sun, because they are more prone to sun burns. Some side effects of depigmentation include itching and skin irritation.
Sunscreens are a necessity for people suffering form vitiligo. It must be applied on areas of the skin affected mainly because it helps protect the skin form UVA and UVB sunlight rays. Medical experts have advised vitiligo patients to always use sunscreens which contain SPF 30+ before stepping outdoors, mainly because areas of the skin affected are very prone to sunburn.
Vitiligo patients are advised to use sunscreens containing SPF 30+ before going outdoors, because affected areas are prone to sun burns. Depression and mental stress have been associated with the development of vitiligo among several patients. Releasing tensions and living happily are also important aspects of curing this skin disorder.
This condition usually starts with small areas of skin but spreads quickly. This skin disorder has no cure and the main goal of treatment is to slow or stop its progression.
Diet is the singular most important step in treating vitiligo. Patients must stick to a strict regimen, if any results are to be seen. E.g. avoiding all overly sour foods, including all citrus fruits - this is mainly due to their heavy vitamin C content, which subdues the body's melanin production.
Other foods such as sorrel, fish. milk, aamla and cashew nuts must be avoided at all cost. Sour foods such as all citrus fruits are to be avoided, due to the presence of Vitamin C, which represses the body's efforts in producing melanin.
There are a number of medications usually prescribed by dermatologists to help increase pigmentation in areas affected. They include topical ointments and creams, such as corticosteroid cream; which can be applied directly to the skin. Over a period of time the affected areas will darken to match other unaffected areas of the skin.
Other cures for Vitiligo are Psychotherapy, Photochemotherapy, Homeopathic treatment, Ayurvedic treatment, skin grafting treatment, surgical treatment, PUVA and laser therapy.
This method of treatment is best suited when large parts of the body are affected by vitiligo. Once depigmentation is complete, patients must be carful about stepping out in the sun, because they are more prone to sun burns. Some side effects of depigmentation include itching and skin irritation.
Sunscreens are a necessity for people suffering form vitiligo. It must be applied on areas of the skin affected mainly because it helps protect the skin form UVA and UVB sunlight rays. Medical experts have advised vitiligo patients to always use sunscreens which contain SPF 30+ before stepping outdoors, mainly because areas of the skin affected are very prone to sunburn.
Vitiligo patients are advised to use sunscreens containing SPF 30+ before going outdoors, because affected areas are prone to sun burns. Depression and mental stress have been associated with the development of vitiligo among several patients. Releasing tensions and living happily are also important aspects of curing this skin disorder.
