Holistic Treatment for Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin condition where areas of the skin lose pigmentation. The exact causes of this condition are unknown. Natural treatment strategies are available, but consistent use is important; it can take several months before any noticeable changes occur. Like conventional medicine, not every treatment will work for everyone. Consulting with a health care professional experienced in naturally treating skin conditions is your best bet for designing a natural treatment strategy. There is no cure, and treatment aims to slow the spread and restore pigmentation to the affected areas.

Herbal Therapy

Children younger than 6 should take one-quarter of suggested doses, while children between 6 and 12 should use half.

Dong quai blocks the formation of antibodies that attack the skin; take 1,000mg daily.

Khella encourages repigmentation of the affected areas by increasing the sensitivity of melanocytes (pigment producing cells) to sunlight. Take 160mg daily. Do not use if you take blood-thinning medications.

Picorrhiza is an Indian herb that might reduce the number and size of white patches. Use as directed on the product label.

St. John's Wort helps vitiligo-affected skin tan better; apply daily to affected areas for three to four months.

The Mayo Clinic reviewed a number of studies examining ginkgo as a treatment for vitiligo. The clinic suggests taking 40mg three times a day to stop the spread of vitiligo; in some cases, it might also promote repigmentation.

The traditional Chinese formula Shih Qua Da Bu Tang is a popular treatment for loss of skin color. Use as directed on the label.

Natural Sunlight

Get out in the sun for 15 to 20 minutes every day without sunscreen. Combining UV therapy with the supplement L-phenylalanine can contribute to repigmentation. Children should use 1,000mg daily while adults need 3,000mg daily. Vitiligo increases the chances of getting sunburn and melanoma so besides your daily 15 or 20 minutes of sun exposure for treatment purposes, wear sunscreen on exposed areas.

Other Suggestions for Vitiligo

The following suggestions do not treat the condition but can help you manage it. The most obvious reason for wearing sunscreen is to protect your skin for harmful rays. It also prevents normal skin from becoming darker, which makes your vitiligo more noticeable. Using a sunless tanning cream on white spots can add color to them. Experiment with different concealers formulated especially for vitiligo; it can take some trial and error to find the one that best matches your skin tone.