Millions of people across the globe are diagnosed with vitiligo every year, a skin condition characterized by the patchy loss of pigmentation on the skin. With advancements in medical science and Ayurveda, ongoing research has introduced multiple natural elements considered safe for vitiligo treatment. The objective of these natural treatments is to improve pigmentation and …
Millions of people across the globe are diagnosed with vitiligo every year, a skin condition characterized by the patchy loss of pigmentation on the skin. With advancements in medical science and Ayurveda, ongoing research has introduced multiple natural elements considered safe for vitiligo treatment.
The objective of these natural treatments is to improve pigmentation and reduce the visibility of white patches. At Kayakalp Global, a leading vitiligo treatment center, our aim is to make effective vitiligo treatment more accessible and overcome the symptoms effectively.
If you are struggling with vitiligo and have been looking for effective natural treatments for the disorder, we will discuss it in detail in this guide.
Vitiligo – Overview
Vitiligo, as we previously mentioned, is an autoimmune skin and pigmentation disorder that directly affects the melanocytes in the body, leading to restricted melanin production in the skin.
This leads to the appearance of white patches all over the skin, mixing in with the standard skin tone of the body. Depending on the type of vitiligo you are suffering from, the condition can lead to white patches appearing either on the side of the body or throughout the body haphazardly and unevenly.
In most cases, vitiligo affects certain visible parts of the body, including the neck, face, hands, elbows, knees, hair, eyebrows, etc. One of the most common misconceptions people have regarding vitiligo is that it is an infectious and contagious disease, which isn’t the case.
However, vitiligo can be passed down through generations, meaning that if multiple people in your family have a medical history of vitiligo, there is a high chance that you might experience the issue as well.
When it comes to the types, vitiligo can primarily be divided into three types:
Generalized vitiligo – In this, the appearance of the white patches on the skin occurs symmetrically and evenly throughout the body.
Segmental vitiligo – This kind of vitiligo is usually common in children, where the white patches are usually localized on one side of the body.
Localized vitiligo – As the term suggests, the symptoms start on a few designated parts of the body and gradually progress and then suddenly stop, too.
What are the Causes of Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is one of those conditions that doesn’t have a specific cause or trigger associated with it. In some cases, the condition is assumed to be triggered by various autoimmune disorders like thyroid disorders, Addison’s disease, diabetes, etc.
Some comprehensive studies also indicate that the onset of vitiligo could indicate a deficiency of vital nutrients like Vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc, copper, etc.
Besides this, genetic predisposition, as we said before, is also a crucial cause or trigger. If vitiligo runs in the family, there is a high chance that you might experience the symptoms, too.
Lastly, external and environmental factors like stress, and chemical exposure, are a few other reasons that trigger the condition and its progression in the body.
There are a few prospects and possible causes highlighted in Ayurveda wherein factors like eating contradicting foods, emotional or physical traits, etc., are specific reasons contributing to the vitiligo symptoms in people.
16 Natural Ways to Improve Pigmentation in Vitiligo Patients
When it comes to the standard and new vitiligo treatment, a few options are tried and tested to have effective results in improving pigmentation and evening out the skin tone in vitiligo patients.
Besides conventional treatment options like light therapy, psoralen, corticosteroid creams, depigmenting agents, etc., many natural remedies are considered adequate for treating vitiligo symptoms.
Following are the top 16 natural remedies that are effective in improving pigmentation in vitiligo patients:
1. Sun Exposure
Sunlight is crucial in stimulating melanocytes, which produce skin pigment.
If you struggle with the rampant spread and visible appearance of white patches on the skin, sun exposure is considered the most effective choice.
Besides topical and oral medications for regulating the immune system, controlled sun exposure in the early morning or late afternoon after application of a topical repigmenting molecule such as Sargan Plus ointment has been proven to help improve pigmentation in the vitiligo-affected areas. Proper consultation is encouraged to ensure that you aren’t damaging the skin and instead getting the right amount of sun exposure on the skin to promote re-pigmentation.
2. Ginkgo Biloba
Among all the home remedies for vitiligo treatment, Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most effective herbal supplements, thanks to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that benefit individuals quite effectively.
Some studies suggest that ginkgo biloba can slow down the further spread of the white patches and promote repigmentation. However, like many other natural and herbal supplements, even this one should be taken under the supervision of a vitiligo specialist. This is one of the reasons why we encourage our patients to prioritize an initial consultation first.
3. Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid
We briefly mentioned in a previous section that the onset of vitiligo symptoms is often triggered by nutrient deficiency, including Vitamin B12 and folic acid.
If you are deficient in these nutrients and want to get relevant treatment and effectual signs of re-pigmentation, combining Vitamin B12 and folic acid intake with sun exposure is mandatory. A study confirmed that supplementation of these nutrients when paired with sunlight, helped 64% of the vitiligo patients even their skin tone.
4. Zinc Supplementation
Another common issue with the onset of vitiligo symptoms is zinc deficiency. Zinc has a multifaceted benefit in maintaining our immune system, warding off risks of cancers, and even reducing the risks of diabetes in some cases.
If you have an overactive immune system contributing to the destruction of the melanocytes and hence the onset of vitiligo symptoms, including zinc in the diet is an effective way to overcome the complications. Zinc is also associated with healing and repairing the tissues, muscles, and bones, which could positively influence people suffering from vitiligo.
5. Aloe Vera
It might not make sense because how does a hydrating herbal ingredient like aloe vera positively influence reversing the vitiligo symptoms and evening out the skin tone?
Some studies and research indicate that aloe vera may aid in repigmentation by promoting melanocyte function. There needs to be more study on the subject, but applying pure aloe vera gel on the affected sites on the body is an effective way to promote re-pigmentation of the skin and eventually evening out the skin tone.
However, it is mandatory to ensure that regular application is followed in conjunction with the treatment plan prescribed by our specialists at Kayakalp Global.
Vitiligo treatment with Kayakalp Global
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Vitiligo treatment with Kayakalp Global
Free Consultation
Most Affordable Treatment
1,00,000 + Happy Patients
FSSAI Approved
Treatment at Home
25 + years of doctors experience
6. Copper Supplementation
Copper is a trace element known for its role in melanin production. According to research, it has been noted that in some cases, vitiligo patients have reduced levels of copper in their bodies.
If that’s the case with you, indulging in copper supplementation is considered one of the most effective ways to reverse the symptoms and aid in re-pigmentation of the skin. However, copper supplementation needs to be done under the watchful eyes of a specialist, which explains why scheduling a consultation with one of our specialists at Kayakalp Global is mandatory for targeted results.
7. Vitamin C
Besides Vitamin B12, another vitamin that plays a crucial role in managing vitiligo symptoms is Vitamin C. If you have been diagnosed with vitiligo and are low on Vitamin C, it can lead to gradual cell damage, including melanocytes.
This explains why prioritizing the intake of Vitamin C is encouraged. It has antioxidative properties, which eliminate cell death and damage, thereby preventing further progression of the disease. Before you consider supplements, Vitamin C is available abundantly in fresh fruits and vegetables, so start there.
8. Vitamin D
While we are on vitiligo treatment through natural means, including Vitamin D in the mix makes sense. Now, you must be thinking, “Getting sun exposure should take care of the Vitamin D requirements, right?”
For the most part, that is true. However, there are instances wherein individuals are often sensitive to the sun and need some other ways to get their Vitamin D fix. In such cases, eating vitamin-D-rich foods or supplementing is considered the most conventional route. Some food sources of Vitamin D include milk, cod fish, salmon, mackerel, tuna, mushrooms, etc.
9. Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia)
Babchi or Bakuchi is another popular herbal supplement considered effective in slowing down the progression of vitiligo symptoms and helping with the re-pigmentation process.
The effectiveness of Babchi seeds is studied closely in Ayurveda, wherein it states that it has practical benefits “due to its Kusthagna and Rasayana properties,” which shrink the appearance of white patches on the skin.
However, standard alerts should be taken cautiously because Babchi seeds aren’t suitable for everyone. There are multiple risks associated with using Babchi seeds for vitiligo treatment, which is why we recommend consulting our professionals at Kayakalp Global to understand whether it would be the ideal route for you. Recent modern medicine studies have found that using Bakuchi for internal use can cause cataract of the eyes after a few years.
10. Turmeric
Curcumin is the active ingredient that makes turmeric a potential remedy because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Since this active ingredient has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, applying or consuming turmeric may help in re-pigmenting vitiligo patches by modulating the immune response.
However, remember that turmeric cannot be a standalone treatment option and needs to be in conjunction with other effective treatments, as prescribed by our specialists at Kayakalp Global.
11. Stress Management
When discussing vitiligo cure and treatment, optimal stress management is also a factor that must be considered. Since our minds play an integral role in healing our body, being in a consistent state of stress impairs that healing process, further worsening the symptoms of vitiligo.
One can opt for multiple stress management techniques, including indulging in yoga, getting a massage, practicing meditation, regular exercise, joining support groups, seeking personal therapy, etc.
12. Essential Oils
There isn’t a lot of research backing up the claims, but there are instances that indicate that the use of specific essential oils, like lavender oil, black seed oil, and chamomile oil, etc. is effective in slowing down or reversing the symptoms of vitiligo due to their anti-inflammatory and skin nourishing properties.
However, one thing to keep in mind when applying essential oils is to be careful about the mode of application. Essential oils are concentrated, so consider applying them after diluting them with some carrier oil like coconut oil. Also, consider performing a patch test on the legs or neck region if you have sensitive skin.
13. Staying Hydrated
Another effective yet simple natural remedy to witness results with vitiligo treatment is prioritizing hydration. Skin health is directly associated with the body’s hydration. So, if you aren’t drinking enough water throughout the day, it can lead to complications with the vitiligo symptoms.
Ayurveda suggests that drinking water kept in a copper container for 24 hours can help with stress reduction and lower blood pressure, which might indirectly influence the vitiligo symptoms.
14. Radish Seeds
This might come off as a surprise, but radish seeds are another effective natural remedy you can consider adding to your diet to alleviate the symptoms of vitiligo. Besides having antioxidative properties, radish seeds are immunomodulatory as well.
Some traditional remedies involve grinding radish seeds into a paste and applying it to vitiligo patches. While there is limited scientific evidence, anecdotal reports suggest potential benefits in promoting repigmentation.
15. Red Pepper
Capsaicin, which contributes to the heat in red peppers, has been studied for its potential in treating vitiligo. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’d have to rub red peppers directly on your vitiligo patches on the skin.
Instead, the key is to find exclusively formulated capsaicin creams available in the market. The topical application of the same is believed to promote melanocyte functions and thereby promote pigmentation. That said, you must remember that more scientific evidence and research must be conducted to confirm these claims.
16. Beta Carotene
Carotenoids like beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin influence skin health. They are in food items like sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, and tomatoes.
One of the main reasons beta carotene and carotenoids are considered adequate for vitiligo treatment is their anti-inflammatory properties. Not only does it help with slowing down the progression of the vitiligo symptoms, but it also prevents skin damage and common cancers like melanoma.
Vitiligo Treatment at Kayakalp Global – Integrated Approach
Regarding effective and satisfactory vitiligo treatment, Kayakalp Global is a pioneer in the field. What’s unique about our treatment approach is the integrated use of Ayurveda with modern medicine to guarantee satisfactory results.
At Kayakalp Global, we balance Ayurveda and Modern Medicine, offering treatments that promote re-pigmentation and slow down the progression of the vitiligo symptoms in the body.
The process usually starts with the initial consultation, which can be done as teleconsultation. Following that, our specialists assess the patient’s medical history, list of underlying complications they are suffering from, and the kind of vitiligo they suffer from.
Based on the assessment, a tailored treatment plan is curated for the patient, including exclusive vitiligo medication formulated by our doctors at Kayakalp Global and proper diet and lifestyle changes.
If you are struggling with the symptoms and have been looking for a way out, we highly recommend that you prioritize scheduling your consultation with us today!
Conclusion
Your struggle with vitiligo ends here. We understand how frustrating it can be to deal with the rampant spread of white patches on the skin, where these natural remedies come into the picture. If you or someone you know is struggling with vitiligo, the key is to get a confirmed diagnosis and tailored treatment. Our specialists at Kayakalp Global are here to help you along the way.
Schedule your consultation with Kayakalp Global today!
FAQs
How can I increase melanin in my skin to cure vitiligo naturally?
Increasing melanin in the skin for treating vitiligo naturally involves lifestyle changes, dietary choices, and topical treatments. You can consider steps like sun exposure, eating an antioxidant-rich diet, getting Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 in the diet, etc.
Which oil is best for vitiligo?
Some oils have potential benefits for individuals with vitiligo. They include neem oil, black seed oil, babchi oil, lavender oil, chamomile oil, etc.
Which vitamin can stop vitiligo?
There is no standard vitamin that can completely eradicate vitiligo. However, maintaining a balance of Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D in the body can prevent the onset and progression of the symptoms.
What is permanent pigmentation for vitiligo?
Permanent pigmentation for vitiligo refers to restoring skin color in areas affected by vitiligo using various medical and cosmetic procedures. The most common medical procedures include the application of exclusively formulated ointments, followed by sun exposure. Phototherapy is also an effective route.
How do we increase melanin?
While the production of melanin is largely genetically determined, some lifestyle and dietary factors may influence melanin synthesis, including the kind of diet you are eating, the amount of sun exposure you are getting, stress factors, hydration, effects of ill habits like smoking, etc. Kayakalp Global’s Sargan Plus ointment is a carefully researched and studied repigmenting molecule which increases transfer of melanin from melanocytes to the skin. It also increases the length of the melanocyte arms so it makes transfer of pigment easier.
