While the cause is debated and treatment options continue to develop, managing vitiligo1 can have both physical and psychological repercussions. Recently, though, models, influencers, and celebrities with vitiligo have helped raise awareness, as well as helped others embrace their own skin condition. Here, everything you need to know. A vitiligo patient may suffer from patches of depigmented or white skin anywhere, including visible areas like the face and hands. (In fact in a recent study, 75% of patients2 with the condition had patches on either of these locations.) Premature graying of hair and discoloration of mucus membranes are also telltale signs of vitiligo. We do know, however, is that many with vitiligo also have another autoimmune disorder3. A few of the most common are: scleroderma, lupus, thyroiditis, psoriasis, and alopecia areata, or baldness. Many vitiligo patients become self-conscious about the visibility of this disease, retreating from social occasions or trying to find ways to camouflage their appearance. In fact, reviews suggest that over half of patients with vitiligo express some negative effect2 about their self image or their experience with the condition. For the majority of vitiligo patients, the disease began in childhood, spreading through the years. But thanks to efforts being made on Instagram, mainstream beauty advertising campaigns, and the skin positivity conversation—it’s starting to get better. Psoralens are also used in combination with UVA and UVB therapy, slowly returning pigment to the skin over six to 12 months. Psoralens4 are light-sensitive compounds that work to absorb UV radiation, essentially acting like UV light. While these treatments offer patients options, rethinking vitiligo opens additional avenues for treatment. Like many autoimmune diseases, vitiligo is a manifestation of an immune system disorder, triggered by any of a number of factors. Thinking about vitiligo from the inside out expands the toolbox5 with which to approach this disease. Approaching vitiligo with this whole-systems approach may ultimately be of more benefit than a single-treatment approach. Managing inflammation, oxidative stress, your immune system, and even hormone balance can influence the spread of this disease. Oxidative stress is caused by natural wear and tear, environmental aggressors, or stress. It is the process where the body begins to produce more free radicals, damaging and changing our DNA. A diet high in antioxidants from brightly colored fruits and vegetables can prevent oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and melanocyte survival may be influenced by glutathione, the antioxidant released when greens are blended or juiced. A number of herbal products5 and natural products have been recommended for treatment of vitiligo with varying levels of success. In ayurveda, herbal formulas that mimic the activity of psoralens are often used to treat vitiligo. The herbs Katuki and Bakuchi show psoralen and antioxidant activity respectively, repigmenting the skin. Turmeric has been used as well for skin repigmentation. Many of these herbs and natural products are used both topically and internally. Replacing B vitamins and silica have shown some promise in the treatment of vitiligo while Ginkgo biloba has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and to be useful in treating vitiligo. The recommended dose is 120 milligrams per day. In Chinese medicine, the plant Psoralea cordyfolia is a natural source of psoralens. The seeds were used in combination with other herbs to repigment the skin. A cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by 20+ top health & wellness experts
