How does the sun affect Vitiligo is one of the most asked questions we get in our Vitiligo Assessments once the summer vacations arrive. At Vitiligo Treatment we immediately notice an increase in the number of Vitiligo assessments from new patients once the summer months start, and we all start venturing outside to enjoy the sun and sea.
How does the sun affect Vitiligo
This is mainly in the Southern Hemisphere where it is now mid-summer, (December/January) and temperatures start to soar! Sun damage has been the major cause in most of these new cases that we have seen coming in.
This year, 2020, December in Australia hit highs well above 40 °C (104.0 °F) with the lowest rainfall on record. Fires have ravaged more than 10 million hectares, taking lives, destroying homes and impacting wildlife – leaving behind devastated families, communities and landscapes. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy.
South Africa and South America also showed an increase in new patients. We need to be aware of the effects heat and sun has, not only on patients developing Vitiligo for the first time but also on existing patients.
Many individuals who are noticing the first signs of Vitiligo may well be predisposed to the condition. Venturing out into the sun and sea without sun block, and being predisposed to Vitiligo may very well cause skin trauma and trigger the condition.
Vitiligo Spots first Appearing After Overexposure to the Sun
The damage inflicted by the sun on the skin not only causes it to burn, tan, and then ‘peel’ but causes unseen damage to the skins cells. If you are predisposed to Vitiligo, instead of a ‘tanning’ of the skin, you may instead have noticed the first small white Vitiligo spots appearing. Generally, these spot first appear on the arms, hands, neck, and face.
Early treatment of Vitiligo is highly recommended. If we can stop the initial spread of Vitiligo early enough then treatment, within a short period of time, will be lead to the successful re-pigmentation of the skin. Saying this, we can also use the sun to benefit us in the treatment of the condition. However, we must emphasize that care needs to be taken not to stay in the sun too long.
If you are currently using the Vitilox Pigmentation cream, I would suggest you take advantage of the sun by applying the cream on the white patches and spend a few minutes in the sun before covering up with sunblock.
Initially leave the cream on for about 5 to 15 minutes without sunblock to take advantage of the suns UVB rays. It is essential to apply a good SPF 50 sun block if you still wish to remain in the sun after UV sun treatment.
Don’t overdo this ‘tanning’ process. If you feel the white patches are starting to burn or turn red, stop and apply the sunblock. Better yet cover up and move out of the sun.
Another interesting fact is that using the Vitilox Vitamins B12 or our T-Cell-V tablets while out in the sun also has a marked effect in reducing and stopping the spread of Vitiligo.
This extract published below by the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden has relevance to our products and the ingredients:
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‘Improvement of Vitiligo after oral treatment with vitamin B12 and folic acid and the importance of sun exposure’
“The aim of this 2-year study was to test the hypothesis that folic acid, vitamin B12 and sun exposure could be helpful in treating Vitiligo. One hundred patients with Vitiligo were treated with oral folic acid and vitamin B12 after being informed that sun exposure might enhance re-pigmentation.
They were requested to keep a record of sun exposure in summer and UVB irradiation in winter. Minimal treatment time suggested was 3-6 months.
Clear re-pigmentation occurred in 52 patients, including 37 who exposed their skin to summer sun and 6 who used UVB lamps in winter.
Re-pigmentation was most evident on sun-exposed areas. 38% of the patients had noted re-pigmentation during summer months when they spent time in the sun.
In Fact 6 participants achieved total re-pigmentation. The spread of Vitiligo stopped in 64% of the patients after treatment.
Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation combined with sun exposure can induce re-pigmentation better than either the vitamins or sun exposure alone.
Treatment should continue as long as the white areas continue to show signs of re-pigment. Further studies are been conducted to determine ideal minimum dosages of vitamins and UV exposure, as well as treatment time.”
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Vitilox T-Cell-V Tablets:
If your body coverage is over 25%, and your Vitiligo is hereditary or you are predisposed to Vitiligo, the stronger T-cell-V therapy tablets are advised.
Vitilox Vitamin B12 & Folic Acid:
Note that the Vitamin B12 & Folic acid is used primarily for patients who have a body coverage of Vitiligo under 25%, and who are not predisposed to the condition.
We have not forgotten about the Northern hemisphere, and as you are going to be venturing into your Autumn and Summer soon, I do hope you can take some of this information into consideration.
Remember that, especially in individuals with fair skin, you may not notice the vitiligo spots on your skin once summer arrives and you get some sun exposure. With a slight tan of the skin the spots ‘appear’ and you may literally wake up shocked at these spots that have seemingly appear overnight.
The USA has experience very cold conditions this winter, (January 2020) and we have had a number of customers purchasing our Vitilox UVB Lamps for treatment in the comfort of their homes.
Keep in mind that UVB treatment is effective, and we do recommend using our Vitilox Pigmentation Cream with the UVB Treatment to help accelerate the results.
At Vitiligo Treatment, besides our specially formulated products to treat Vitiligo, we offer Support, Consultations, and Vitiligo Assessments.
Your free Vitiligo Assessment, which can be found on our website, is assessed by one of our trained consultants. They will evaluate your condition, and help you choose the correct product or products for your treatment going forward.
Vitiligo can be Treated!
Vitiligo can be treated, and it is important to keep perceptions in line with reality! Commitment and adherence to the available treatment options are important when managing Vitiligo.
At Vitiligo Treatment we offer a large range of products to help treat most Vitiligo conditions. This is one of the factors that has contributed to our success in Treating Vitiligo.
We do have a combination of products formulated to treat Low, Medium, and High Vitiligo body coverage. Contact one of our consultants or read more on our website for information pertaining to your own Vitiligo condition.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require any further information pertaining to this article – How does the sun affect Vitiligo – or require any additional detailed information on our products.
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