Learn about vitiligo

Knowledge often improves a person’s quality of life. It helps to know about treatment options so that you know what is possible. Learning more about vitiligo can help you decide what feels right for you. You may want to treat it, camouflage with cosmetics, or just let it be. Only you can decide what’s right for you.

Do not get a tattoo

Getting a tattoo can cause something called Keobnerization or the Koebner phenomenon. What this means is when you wound your skin, which getting a tattoo does, a new patch of vitiligo can appear about 10 to 14 days later.

Connect with others who have vitiligo

The emotional aspects of having vitiligo are often overlooked, but they are real. If a child has vitiligo, other children may tease and bully. People can stare. Studies conclude that many people who have vitiligo have a decreased quality of life.

Connecting with others who have vitiligo can help.

Exposing the affected areas to early morning sunlight just after sunrise is known to stimulate pigment forming cells. However, patients must avoid strong sunlight especially between 11am to 4 pm. If necessary to move out during such hours, patients must opt for a sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of more than 30.

• Use mild soap for bathing and avoid rubbing skin vigorously after a bath
• Wear clothing that adequately covers the skin . This protects the skin from any kind of external trauma
• Avoid sprays, deodorants, perfumes directly on skin
• Avoid mental stress

Diet rich in copper is suggested for Vitiligo patients since scientific studies have shown low serum copper levels in patients suffering from Vitiligo. Green leafy vegetables and sesame are good sources of copper.

Supplementation with vitamin B12, folic acid and pantothenic acid has been seen to have beneficial effects in Vitiligo patients .