Vitiligo is a condition that causes pigment to be lost in the skin. Pigment in the skin is produced by cells called melanocytes and when the cells die or lose the ability to function properly, Vitiligo can occur.
Vitiligo is more noticeable in darker skin colors, but can occur in anyone. The condition appears as patches of depigmented skin on certain areas of the body. Patches are usually small in size and can be irregular in shape. The depigmentation occurs on many parts of the body, but it is particularly noticeable around the mouth, eyes and nose.
The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but some possible causes include:
- Genetic oxidative stress
- Neural or Viral causes
- Autoimmune disorder
- Harm to the skin
- Chemical exposure
Causes
Although the precise cause of Vitiligo is currently unknown, research points to a few possible causes. The first possible cause is an auto immune disorder. If a person’s immune system becomes overactive, it can ultimately destroy the melanocytes that produce pigment. There is little insight into why the body would do this.
Another possible cause could be heredity. Specific genes could be responsible for the depigmentation. No specific gene has been pinpointed yet. If Vitiligo affects you as well as other members of your family, it may run in your genes.
Emotional stress and stress to the actual skin have been said to trigger Vitiligo. While there is no actual proof behind the statement, it is thought that if a person is carrying a gene for the condition, stress could trigger an outbreak. Sunburn or cuts to the skin are physical stresses to the skin that could do this. Emotional stress from work or home life are examples of internal stressors.
Natural Solutions
While there are currently no natural cures for Vitiligo, changing your lifestyle can be of help in alleviating the condition. Try to lower the outside stress in your life. By lowering your own stress levels, you may be less likely to suffer from the condition. Learning ways to cope with everyday stressors such as work, school, home life, or children can be beneficial in every aspect of your life. Practicing yoga and meditating can help to lower stress levels and create a calm inner peace. Learn to let go of the things that stress you and focus on the positive aspects of your life. Focusing on the good around you will make the bad look less noticeable.
Avoiding exposure to the sun can help keep your Vitiligo symptoms at bay. Over exposure to sunlight has been said to trigger Vitiligo in some people. Be sure to wear proper SPF when outdoors and avoid extended periods of time in the sun.
Traumas to the skin should be treated accordingly to reduce the chances of depigmentation around the affected area. Make sure you let your body heal properly to avoid scarring.
If your condition is genetic, there is little you can do to change that. Avoiding the things that worsen your condition is your best option. Avoid having any invasive procedures performed. They are unnecessary since Vitiligo is not harmful to you or contagious to others.
If the depigmentation bothers you, try using some natural makeup products, such as concealers. These will help to camouflage the discoloration and may put you at ease about its appearance. Natural makeups are widely available today and will not harm your skin. They are formulated to allow the skin to breathe while providing all the beauty benefits of other makeups.
Dherbs Solutions
Dherbs recommends learning to accept yourself for who and what you are. Be happy with your outward appearance. Some conditions like Vitiligo we cannot change. The best treatment is self acceptance. Learn to love yourself for all the wonderful qualities you possess and forget the flaws that exist. Flaws exist in us all and that is what makes each of us unique and special.
Remember, treating your body and mind well is the first step in overall health.
Thank you for reading!
This article is compliments of Dherbs.com
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
