Here we discuss Vitiligo Do’s and Don’ts. As we know, the cause of Vitiligo is not currently known, although it is thought to be linked to an autoimmune disorder, which results in the immune system attacking its own healthy tissues in error, instead of attacking foreign cells such as viruses or bacteria. The first signs of Vitiligo may be in an area of the skin that has received extensive sun damage or chemical trauma.
Vitiligo is thought to be triggered by a combination of genetics and environmental conditions and can manifest at any age.
Follow some simple rules and put your Vitiligo into reverse!
Vitiligo Do’s and Don’ts:
Do’s:
- Do start treatment as soon as possible
The earlier a Vitiligo diagnosis is made, the better the prognosis will be. Vitiligo is a treatable condition with results achieved as soon as one or two months from the commencement of treatment. For some people, it takes longer for their skin to fully regain pigment in the affected areas. It is crucial, therefore, to start a treatment routine as early as possible.
Even those who have had Vitiligo for several years can achieve good results. Vitilox® T-Cell-V capsules are required if your Vitiligo body coverage exceeds 25%, or if you are naturally predisposed to the Vitiligo condition. This treatment is a very good option if you have had Vitiligo for more than 8 years. The Vitilox® T-Cell-V capsules are an immune therapy product and have the required ingredients to stop the progression of your Vitiligo. These capsules contain vital ingredients that help with melanin (pigmentation) production, repair of skin cells, and reversing of the Vitiligo symptoms.
Most importantly, do not lose hope. It is important to remember that Vitiligo symptoms, as well as response to treatment, will vary from person to person.
Vitiligo is initially typified by the following:
- White spots on your hands, feet, knees, elbows, or other joint areas of the body.
- Loss of pigment colour on the genitals, chest and face (eyes and lips).
- White patches in the hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard.
- Colour loss on the inside of your mouth and nose (mucosal areas).
- Loss or change of colour in your retinas (rare).
If any of these characteristics appear, make sure you get a diagnosis from your medical practitioner. The Vitilox® range of products has become the preferred, most stable form of treatment available for Vitiligo.
- Do stop the spread early
It is important to slow down and stop the further spread of Vitiligo. The earlier you begin treatment; the quicker re-pigmentation can start. Vitilox® Vitamin B12, Folic Acid & D3 supports and promotes cell heath, and helps reduce the risk of infection. Besides the physical health benefits, the capsules help relieve stress and anxiety. The less you stress the less the Vitiligo spreads! Folic acid is also an important element in producing healthy DNA. Vitamin D3 contributes to repigmentation in Vitiligo macules.
- Do wear clothing that protects your skin from the sun
Clothing is a simple and safe way to keep the sun’s harmful rays at bay! Clothes effectively block and absorb harmful UV radiation, keeping your skin out of harm’s way. Unlike sunscreen, protective clothing never needs to be re-applied! Fabrics that have a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50 block 98% of the sun’s rays, reducing your risk of exposure significantly. Aim for a UPF of at least 30 for adequate protection.
- Do keep your morale up – friend & family support is essential
We live in a world where beauty is perceived as having clear, blemish-free skin. Vitiligo can cause a person to experience stress, with feelings of anger, embarrassment, or shame. Stress can lead to emotional symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sadness. In adult-onset Vitiligo, stress has been found to be a precipitating factor in the disease development. Events such as the death of a family member, work issues, and financial problems have been associated as preceding factors to the onset of Vitiligo. As the stress response is triggered and the body’s sympathetic nervous system is activated, increases in the levels of catecholamines, neuropeptides, and cortisol are released. These are found to be higher in Vitiligo patients. It makes sense, therefore, that you take measures to decrease any stress that you may be experiencing.
- Do try to de-stress
If exercise for stress relief makes you feel overwhelmed, you are not alone! Try exercising in short bursts like three 10-minute walks instead of one 30-minute walk. Start slowly and ramp up the effort once you see the benefits of the increased movement. Physical activity helps in the production of endorphins, your brain’s natural feel-good neurotransmitters. Engage friends and family if you need a push.
- Do use a sunblock cream when outdoors and in the sun
The sun will trigger or cause Vitiligo to spread further. There are two types of sunscreen creams: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens act as a skin shield, reflecting both UVA and UVB light, and contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These are a good choice for people with allergies to chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and contain ingredients such as avobenzone and benzophenone. The product’s sun protection factor (SPF) is important, being the measurement of the amount of UVB protection the sunscreen offers.
- Do use a concealer to boost your confidence while treating Vitiligo
Vitilox® Cover Cream & Setting Powder Kit is a revolutionary concealer product, able to cover your white patches effectively. Use this with the Vitilox® Pigmentation Cream to ensure that your Vitiligo is kept hidden while your treatment is underway. The concealer comes in many shades and can easily be matched to your skin colour. It has the added benefit of being waterproof, sweat proof, and is long-lasting (24 hours).
Don’ts:
- Do not take vitamin immune boosters
Remember that Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition, and all of the effective treatments for vitiligo actually suppress the overactive immune system. Common vitamin deficiencies in people with autoimmune conditions like Vitiligo include folic acid, B-12, copper, and zinc. Vitamin supplements can have the opposite effect: for example, an excessive intake of Vitamin C can worsen Vitiligo symptoms.
- Do not use tanning beds and sun lamps
One of the biggest risks for those who suffer from Vitiligo is that the depigmented patches of skin are more susceptible to damage from the ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight, as well as tanning beds and sunlamps. Excessive exposure makes the areas prone to sunburn, especially if the skin tone is fair. Sun exposure can also promote the spread of depigmented areas.
Note: Targeted and managed exposure to a narrow-band ultraviolet – B (NB-UVB) lamp, such as the Vitilox® UVB Home Lamp is a way to re-pigment the Vitiligo-affected areas.
- Do not get a tattoo
Skin irritation will cause Vitiligo to spread further, especially if your Vitiligo is in the active phase. Any trauma or damage to the skin, including puncturing the skin with a tattoo needle, can worsen Vitiligo at the site, or create a new Vitiligo lesion. This process is called Koebner’s Phenomenon, which is common on the knees of children with Vitiligo, for example, because they often fall and scrape their knees, causing damage or trauma.
- Do not eat citrus fruits when you have Vitiligo
Hydroquinone is found in certain fruits, such as pears and blueberries. Since hydroquinone, reduces melanin production, eating these fruits could make your Vitiligo patches even whiter. Fruits like lemons, limes and others that are excessively sour can make your Vitiligo symptoms worse. These fruits also contain ascorbic acid which lightens the skin, so this would make the patches even lighter.
- Do not eat processed or “junk” food
Sorry!
These foods cause oxidative stress in the body, which means the cells are destroyed quicker than they normally would be. Avoid sugar, caffeine, and processed foods. Include foods that boost the production of melanin, like whole grains, chickpeas, potatoes, wheat, radishes, beetroot, carrots, spinach, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, dates, figs, mangoes, apricots, and red peppers.
- Do not use chemical products that may irritate or burn your skin
Exposing your skin to harsh chemicals can cause Vitiligo or aggravate existing Vitiligo symptoms. The list encompasses household detergent, bleach, air freshener and oven cleaner. One of the worst products is hair dye, because it is on the scalp for the most part of an hour or more before it is washed off. Harsh body scrubs and soaps can have a similar effect. Use a product like the brand new Vitilox® Natural Soap. This comes in a pack of four bars and has been formulated for Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Eczema, Dermatitis, and Acne sufferers who require a chemical-free and anti-bacterial soap for safe and natural cleansing of the skin.
Use this soap to wash your hair as well – each strand will thank you!
Remember that Vitiligo can be treated!
Living with Vitiligo can be challenging, but the disease does not have to be an obstacle to your hopes and dreams. Once your Vitiligo has been diagnosed, get your treatment programme started.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require any further information pertaining to this article – Vitiligo Do’s and Don’ts – or require any additional detailed information on our products.
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 – Vitiligo Hand & Finger Treatment, or require any additional detailed information on our products.
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