Vitiligo is a skin condition in which one loses skin pigmentation in patches. While it can affect any body part, it usually appears on the face, neck, hands, and skin folds. At times, vitiligo may also affect the eyes, mouth, wrists, and fingers. Further, a JAMA dermatology survey suggests that about 2.8 million people nationwide develop this autoimmune skin disease. The condition is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Management options for vitiligo

Light therapy
Phototherapy with narrow-band ultraviolet B or UVB may prevent vitiligo from progressing. Dermatologists may recommend taking light therapy sessions two or three times a week, and one is likely to see visible results after one to three months. Sometimes, it may even take six months for the therapy to show results. But since there’s a risk of developing skin cancer through excessive light therapy, it’s best to speak to one’s doctor about its potential risks beforehand.

Skin grafting
In this procedure, doctors extract small patches of healthy skin from the patient’s body and transplant them to affected areas. Skin grafting mainly intends to enhance skin appearance, which can boost one’s overall self-image and esteem. Depending on the part of the body from which the skin is extracted, grafting may be of different types.

Depigmentation
This therapy is considered the last resort if the vitiligo has spread considerably and no other treatments have worked. A depigmenting agent is applied to the parts of the body where the vitiligo hasn’t spread. This way, the skin gets lightened gradually, and it integrates with the discolored areas. Depigmentation therapy is carried out once or two times a day for a minimum of nine months.

Home remedies

Apply sunscreen frequently
Exposure to UV rays can worsen depigmentation, so those with this condition should apply sunscreen every morning and reapply it once every two to three hours during the day. It’s important to buy sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30.

Avoid getting a tattoo
A tattoo can cause a new vitiligo patch to appear on the skin. So, it’s best to avoid getting a tattoo when healing from vitiligo.

Have foods rich in antioxidants
Vitiligo may be caused by excess pressure on melanin-producing cells in the body. If there’s less melanin in the body, it leads to increased depigmentation. A meal plan rich in antioxidants can help reduce pressure on these cells, increasing melanin production. One should incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and spices in their meals, which are all rich sources of melanin.

Apply aloe vera gel
The aloe vera plant contains several antioxidants, including folic acid and essential vitamins, which can reduce inflammation and help manage vitiligo symptoms. It also has minerals like calcium, copper, and chromium, which can help deal with depigmentation. So, it’s a good idea to apply aloe vera gel regularly on the skin, especially on vitiligo-affected areas.