Vitiligo is on the list of autoimmune conditions. If you have this condition, your skin may begin 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 producing melanin. Although it is not possible to cure vitiligo, you can take some steps to limit its spread. Regardless of the causes and treatment of your vitiligo, here are some ways to help you do just that.
Use sunscreen
Before you go out, don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Sunburn can actually make your condition worse as well as damage your skin. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen. For example, it must be SPF 30 or higher. Ideally, it should be a waterproof formula. If you are spending an entire day outdoors, you should reapply the solution every two hours.
Wear thicker outfits
For better skin protection, you can opt for thicker garments. In reality, the SPF of clothing provides protection to the 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 most people think. Instead, sunlamps can cause sunburn on healthy skin. As a result, you may develop more blemishes on your skin. If you really want a tan, you can go for spray tans or tanning lotions.
Don’t get a tattoo
Many times, the wounds create a fresh patch of vitiligo on the skin. Usually this new patch appears about two weeks after the injury. We know that tattoos are created by injuring the skin, they increase 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. Be sure to talk to your doctor before purchasing any supplement.
Do not use herbs to stimulate the immune system
Since vitiligo is an immune system disorder, you don’t want to eat an herb that can trigger your immune system. Common herbs you may want to avoid include spirulina, astragalus, goldenseal, and echinacea.
Take a multivitamin
You can use a multivitamin after your doctor’s approval. Actually, some people with vitiligo are deficient in vitamins. This can worsen the condition even more. For a healthy body, common vitamins to 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 lightening products
Most skin lightening products can cause even more pigment loss. So what you need to do is stay away from products that contain hydroquinone.
So, here 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 your vitiligo causes and treatment options. Types of treatments offered at medical centers include melanocyte transplantation, skin grafting, and Waldmann UV therapy, to name a few.