Here, everything you’re gonna wanna know.
What is vitiligo?
Premature graying of hairand discoloration of mucus membranes are also telltale signs of vitiligo.
What causes vitiligo?
There is uncertainty around the causes of vitiligo, although there is a known genetic component.
It’s also unclear exactly how the body attacks the pigment cells, causing them to die.
We do know, however, is thatmany with vitiligo also have another autoimmune disorder3.
Vitiligo and mental health.
For the majority of vitiligo patients, the disease began in childhood, spreading through the years.
Vitiligo treatment.
Vitiligo cure?
More cutting-edge treatments include using pseudocatalase, an enzyme that helps repigment the skin.
While these treatments offer patients options, rethinking vitiligo opens additional avenues for treatment.
Thinking about vitiligo from the inside outexpands the toolbox5with which to approach this disease.
Natural vitiligo management techniques.
Anecdotally, some say they have also seen hormone imbalances trigger vitiligo in practice.
Vitiligo and inflammation.
Lowering gluten and dairy intake while limiting sugar are central tenets of this diet.
Increasing healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-9 fats, further helps to lower the inflammatory load.
Oxidative stress is brought on 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 diethigh in antioxidantsfrom brightly colored fruits and vegetables can prevent oxidative stress.
Vitiligo and thyroid function.
Some practitioners also say to have seen vitiligo connected to imbalances in thyroid function.
A number ofherbal products5and 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.
The recommended dose is 120 milligrams per day.
In Chinese medicine, the plantPsoralea cordyfoliais a natural source of psoralens.
The seeds were used in combination with other herbs to repigment the skin.
Vitiligo and stress.
Stress management is also a factor in vitiligo.
Some studies point to the use ofSt.
Johns wort6in controlling stress and helping to manage depression and anxiety.
you might also turn to yoga orbreath workpractices.
The takeaway.
As treatment options continue to evolve, understanding the complexities of vitiligo is critical to its resolution.
Helping patients and family members through the psychological and self-esteem issues associated with vitiligo should also be a priority.
She is the author of theSuperwoman RXandThe 21-Day Belly Fix.
