7 Home Remedies To Help You Manage Vitiligo

Vitiligo-caused white patches result from a lack of melanocytes. Melanin, produced by melanocytes, is a photoprotective pigment that is responsible for your skin color. A high accumulation of melanin results in a darker skin color, while low melanin gives rise to light skin.

The reason behind the development of vitiligo is not yet determined, but it is suspected that the condition may result from an autoimmune disorder wherein immune cells attack the melanocytes.

In addition, it has been found that people with vitiligo have high amounts of antioxidant enzymes in the serum. High oxidative stress in the body may lead to the degeneration of melanocytes, leading to the onset of vitiligo.

# Ginkgo biloba

Vitiligo is suspected to occur due to autoimmune problems or increased oxidative stress in the body. Ginkgo biloba supplements possess antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties that can help in the management and control of vitiligo.

In addition, Ginkgo biloba is found to help increase pigment in the skin. Ginkgo biloba herbal supplements are found to be safe for the treatment of nonsegmented vitiligo. However, the supplements may react with antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications and therefore should be used only upon the recommendation of your doctor, who will determine the correct dosage for your condition.

# Polypodium leucotomos

Polypodium leucotomos possesses photoprotective and antioxidant properties, and for this reason, it has been long used as an adjuvant therapy to phototherapy for people with vitiligo.

A study demonstrated that the use of Polypodium leucotomos extract-based oral supplements helped increase pigmentation in the head and neck area of people with vitiligo vulgaris, especially those with a light skin type, when used together with laser or phototherapy.

# Vitamin B12 and folic acid

Scientific studies show that an increase in the consumption of foods rich in vitamin B12 and folate, along with sun exposure (especially direct sunlight), can help increase repigmentation and can aid in the control of vitiligo spread.

In addition, the use of vitamin B12 can help reduce anxiety in people who may have depression symptoms due to the social aspects of vitiligo. Therefore, it is suggested to include foods containing high amounts of folic acid and vitamin B12 in your diet. You can also take supplements upon the recommendation of your doctor.

# Zinc and copper

People with vitiligo are found to have low serum levels of zinc, a micronutrient essential for boosting cell repair, immune system function, and the prevention of cancer.

Moreover, optimum zinc levels in the body help in the production of melanin in the skin. It is therefore essential to maintain appropriate zinc levels in the body to help treat and prevent vitiligo.

Similarly, copper is shown to boost melanin production, thus helping in the repigmentation of the skin.

# Vitamin C and other antioxidants

Similar to zinc deficiency, vitamin C deficiency is commonly associated with vitiligo. Moreover, it has been observed that the use of vitamin C supplements improved the efficacy of short-term phototherapy treatments for vitiligo, including UVB irradiation.

This usefulness of vitamin C may result from its antioxidant properties, since increased oxidative stress is often associated with the onset of vitiligo and the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in people with active vitiligo.

In addition to vitamin C, other antioxidant oral and topical medications may help. Antioxidants can also be found in foods such as artichokes, berries, dark unsweetened chocolate, kale, mangoes, grapes, guavas, apricots, nuts, and other foods rich in vitamin E and beta carotene.

# Black cumin or fish oil

Studies show that the topical application of black cumin (Nigella sativa) oil and fish oil to the affected areas can help reduce the size of the white patches when used as an adjunct to medical treatment.

The use of nigella oil is preferred as it is observed to be more effective than fish oil. This may result from its thymoquinone content, which helps prevent oxidative damage in cells.

While the studies on the use of black cumin and fish oil in the treatment of vitiligo are limited, the oils are generally safe for use and can be given a try if you are not allergic to them.

# Alpha-lipoic acid

The use of alpha-lipoic acid as an adjunct therapy to medical treatment is often suggested due to its antioxidant properties that help preserve melanocytes from oxidative damage. You can increase your intake of alpha-lipoic acid through tea, beer, wine, spinach, fruits, soy, broccoli, yeast, and organ meats such as kidney and liver.