Can vitiligo be cured with diet and supplements?

Vitiligo has become a social stigma that can make a person's life difficult, causing mental and emotional distress. This is a non-communicable autoimmune condition that leads to discolored patches on the skin. These discolored patches can be seen in different parts of the body, in various different ways. Hence, it is important to know about the different types of vitiligo patches seen in people to treat it better:

• Focal, here the skin loses its color in small areas of the body.
• Generalized, in this type, the discolored patches of the skin, is seen on different parts of the body.
• Mucosal, here, the discolored patches are seen on the soft tissue that lines the cavities of the mouth.
• Segmental, in this type, the white patches are restricted to any one side of the body, such as the face or the hands.
• Trichrome, this causes intermediate hypopigmentation that is located between the depigmented center and unaffected areas of the skin.
• Universal, here, the patches are seen on major parts of the body.

What can lead to the vitiligo skin condition?

The cause of vitiligo is unknown; however, it can be the result of an immune system disease, heredity, stress, extreme sunburn or skin trauma.

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People with vitiligo, are more likely to experience social or psychological stress, as well as visual and hearing difficulties.

Also Read: How to identify vitiligo

Did you know! Minor dietary changes can also help treat vitiligo? According to vitiligo support international, people with a genetic condition, often lack certain nutrient levels in the body. But, some people believe that vitiligo disease can be aggravated by consuming milk or other white foods, while a few think that eating citrus fruits like lemons, limes and oranges can increase the spread of the condition.

However, some tried diets that contain nutrient-dense foods can help prevent vitiligo symptoms. Bananas, apples, leafy greens like kale or lettuce, chickpeas, root vegetables like beetroot, carrot and radish, figs, and dates are all good options.

In addition to these nutrient-dense foods, inflammatory foods include white pasta, white bread, processed meats, gluten, soy and vegetable oils, cookies, candies, and ice cream, as well as excess carbohydrates and alcohol. You can lessen the symptoms and effects of vitiligo by avoiding these.

Supplements that aid in re-pigmentation in vitiligo patients are also available. These supplements include Vitamin C and E, polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3), ginkgo bilbo, and alpha-lipoic acid. But, before taking high-potency vitamin D supplements, seek medical advice; excessive dosage can result in a calcium build-up within the body, which can cause nausea and vomiting.

Vitiligo patients can also use at-home therapies to relieve the symptoms of the condition.

Vitiligo Treatment

The following are commonly utilised remedies to manage the symptoms:

• Turmeric as we all know has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help reduce the symptoms of vitiligo. Mix five teaspoons of turmeric powder, along with 250 ml of mustard oil. Apply this mix on the affected area of your skin, two times a day. Continue this process for a year, to get good results.
• Basil leaves can also be used to treat vitiligo. It is known to have anti-aging and anti-viral properties.With the mix of basil leaves and lime juice, you can help stimulate melanin production in your skin.
• Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat vitiligo. Take some ginger juice and soak psoralea seeds, for three days. Then separate these seeds from the ginger juice and let them dry. Later, grind these seeds to a fine powder consistency and consume them with a glass of milk. Continue this process forat least two months to get better results.
• Radish seeds along with vinegar, mixed to a paste can help regenerate the skins natural pigment. Apply this mixed paste to the pigmented are regularly for the next six months to see better results.

It's critical to understand why this skin issues require treatment. However, due to a lack of proper understanding and current beliefs around the condition, such as vitiligo being caused by mixed-race parents, cancer, or being contagious, vitiligo is still prevalent. People get ashamed as a result of this and they refuse to seek treatment.

So, here are the facts you need to know about vitiligo skin condition:

• Mixed-race parents cannot cause vitiligo.
• This is an autoimmune condition and has no connection to cancer or any other illness.
• Vitiligo is a skin condition, itis not contagious.
• This skin condition can affect anyone, despite their race or ethnicity. However, the pigmentation is more visible on people with high levels of melanin.

Also Read: The ‘White Lies’: Debunking Vitiligo Myths & Facts