Vitiligo is on the list of autoimmune diseases. If you have this condition, your skin may start to lose pigmentation. As a result, you will have discolored patches of skin. Although this condition is not fatal or contagious, it can have a negative impact on your quality of life. You actually have this condition when your cells stop making melanin. Although vitiligo cannot be cured, you can take some steps to restrict its spread. Regardless of its causes and treatment for vitiligo, here are some ways to help you achieve it.
Use sunscreen
Before going out, don’t forget to apply sunscreen. In reality, sunburn can make your condition worse in addition to damaging your skin. Opt for a broad spectrum sunscreen. For example, you must have an SPF 30 or higher. Ideally, it should be a waterproof formula. If you are spending a whole day outdoors, you should reapply the solution every two hours.
Wear thicker outfits
For better skin protection, you can opt for thicker sets. The SPF in your clothing actually protects your skin and restricts damage. Ideally, you may want to choose thicker fabrics as they offer better protection.
Don’t use sunlamps or tanning beds
Sunlamps or tanning beds are not good for you. They don’t obscure those lighter spots unlike what most people think. Instead, sunlamps can cause sunburn on your healthy skin. As a result, you can develop more blemishes on your skin. If you really want a tan, you can opt for spray tanners or tanning lotions.
Don’t get a tattoo
Often times, the wounds create a new vitiligo patch on your skin. This new patch usually appears about two weeks after the injury. We know that tattoos are created by hurting the skin, increasing the spread of vitiligo.
Use Ginkgo Biloba
The herb ginkgo biloba can help you hinder the spread of vitiligo. In fact, this herb can even help you restore your skin color. You can buy this herb in tablet form as a supplement. Make sure to speak with your doctor before purchasing any supplement.
Don’t use immune-boosting herbs
Since vitiligo is an immune system disorder, you should not eat an herb that can activate your immune system. Common herbs you may want to avoid include spirulina, astragalus, goldenseal, and echinacea.
Use a multivitamin
You can use a multivitamin after your doctor’s approval. In fact, some people with vitiligo are deficient in vitamins. This can make the condition even worse. For a healthy body, common vitamins you should take include vitamin E, vitamin C, CoQ10, zinc, and copper. When your body is deficient in certain vitamins, you can opt for vitamin supplements.
Do not use Skin-Lightning products
Most skin lightening products can cause even greater pigment loss. So what you need to do is stay away from hydroquinone-containing products.
So these are some simple ways to prevent the spread of vitiligo. However, it is much better to see a special for professional medical treatment. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment based on the causes and treatment options for your vitiligo. The types of treatments offered at medical centers include melanocyte transplantation, skin grafts, and Waldmann UV therapy, to name a few.