Vitiligo is rare condition that affects the pigmentation of a person’s skin. This condition happens when skin cells start to die off or cannot function function properly. There is no known cure for it but there are some steps that people with this condition can take to help control this condition. Skin creams, oral medications and skin grafts are some common treatments that are prescribed by doctors. Vitamins are an alternative treatment method that is used to treat vitiligo. Some medical professionals believe that vitamins have the ability to lessen the impact by enhancing skin pigmentation. What Vitamins are used for the Treatment Process? Certain vitamins such as B vitamin (folic acid), alpha – lipoic acid, phenylalanine, picrorhiza and B6 are five common vitamins and substances that have been proven to be effective or somewhat effective for helping people. Other substances such as canthaxanthin, ginko, khella, para aminobenzoic acid and polypodium leucotomos are also used for treament but there is insufficient evidence about their effectiveness.
You can get a combination of all of these in one pill from: Recouleur – Vitamins for Vitiligo. How does B Vitamin help? Researchers uses folic acid in conjunction with vitamin B12 and sunshine to help repair damaged skin spots. The National Institute of Health or NIM has recorded research data about the effectiveness of folic acid on damaged skin spots. The study in question revealed that 100 patients with vitiligo were treated with oral folic acid, B12 and sunshine exposure between 3 – 6 months and clear re-pigmentation was evident in 52 of the 100 patients. More than have of the patients who used this folic acid and B12 regimen were able to restore color to the whitened areas of their skin. The study also revealed that at least 64% of the people in the study were able to stop the spread of color pigment with this treatment option. Apparently, B12 and vitamin D in sunshine are two other vitamin substances that are play a role in improving the condition. Over the years medical researchers have discovered that alpha-lipoic acid is able to protect the body from certain types of cell damage.
They also help to get rid of oxidation stress within a person’s skin and protect the body from free radicals which are able to damage melanocytes. Do not forget that melanocytes are melanin producing cells within a person’s skin. So when vitiligo occurs it destroys these cells which in turn produces the white patches on the body. Alpha – lipoic acid has been proven to reverse some of the effects by restoring some of the color back into a person’s skin. Phenylalanine is able to help a person to manage their condition. This substance works by initializing the synthesis of melanin within a person’s body. In other words it can help to return a person’s natural skin color in the affected areas on their dermis. The substance works better when it is combined with sunlight or a UV lamp. By the way, there are three types of phenylalanine and they include L, D and DL. L- phenylalanine is the type that is needed. How can Picrorhiza be used treatment? Vitiligio affects a person’s autoimmune system and since it does Picrorhiza can be used to help correct this problem.
Picrorhiza is a plant that grows in the Himalayan mountains and it is sometimes used to treat skin conditions. Since this substance has immunomodulatory properties it is able to modify or control one or more of the immune functions within a person’s body. This in turn will impact how it controls the condition. A person can use this substance to produce melanin within the white parts of their skin. Vitamin B6 is another B vitamin that might help to improve the condition. People who lack vitamin B6 can end up catch a skin disease such as ulceration or dermatitis. This information reveals that B6 is essential for the treatment. One reason for this benefit has to do with B6 ability to alter or influence how certain genes functions. Vitamin B6 prevents the autoimmune system from attacking melanocytes which in turns slows down the disease. It also can be used to correct genetic defects that might be the root cause of this condition. B6 changes homocysteine by converting it to cysteine which in turn breaks down the formation of free radicals that damage cells.
Vitamins are not a cure but they can help to keep it in check. Be sure to talk with your doctor or physician before you start any vitamin regimen.Patient Comments: Vitiligo - Effective Treatments Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Quiz: Is Ringworm Contagious? Gallery of Skin Problems Pictures What kinds of treatments have been effective for your vitiligo? Viewers share their comments Patient Comments are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read on MedicineNet. The opinions expressed in the comments section are of the author and the author alone. MedicineNet does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.Vitiligo is a skin disease that often occurs with vitamin B12 deficiency– Find out if taking B12 supplements can treat your vitiligo symptoms and get rid of white patches on your skin forever. Vitiligo is a skin disorder that causes you to lose brown pigmentation, resulting in white patches on your skin. Hair growing in white skin spots caused by vitiligo may turn white, as well. About 1% of all people in the world have vitiligo, including roughly two million US citizens. Although vitiligo affects people of all races, it is more noticeable in darker skinned ethnic groups. Doctors are uncertain what exactly causes the skin disorder vitiligo, but they believe it might be an autoimmune disorder. Also, they have noticed strong correlations with certain chronic conditions. People who suffer vitiligo usually fall into one of four groups: What are the symptoms of vitiligo? Vitiligo causes telltale patches of white skin (depigmentation), typically on parts of your body that get the most sun exposure, like your hands, feet, and face, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and lips.