Vitamin D and Vitiligo

It is believed that there is a linkage between vitamin D and vitiligo in our body. Deficiency of vitamin D could trigger Vitiligo and can also cause the disease to worsen.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which is produced in the skin after exposure to UVB light and occurs naturally in a small range of foods. Mainly there are two major physiologically relevant forms of vitamin D, vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 but the form of greatest importance to humans is vitamin D3. The major source of vitamin D for humans is sunlight and approximately 90% of the vitamin D comes from this source. It is essential for the absorption of Calcium and phosphorus.

The potential to develop vitiligo and other autoimmune disorders is believed to increase with the deficiency of vitamin D. The symptoms and the prognosis of vitiligo can be significantly improved by maintaining the adequate levels of vitamin D.

To ensure adequate level of vitamin D one must take 5,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day for 2–3 months. Mainly there are three main ways for maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D: (i) Sunlight, (ii) Food, and (iii) Vitamin D supplement.

Approximately 20 to 30 minutes of sun exposure will produce 20,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D within 48 hours. Dietary sources of Vitamin D are egg yolk; ‘oily’ fish such as salmon & sardines, cod liver oil, Vitamin D fortified bread & cereals, or milk. Vitamin D supplements provide a good alternative source of vitamin D, although some people with certain conditions should not use vitamin D supplements at all without guidance from a physician, such as: primary parahyperthyroidism, sarcoidosis, the presence of kidney stones, unexplained hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency or kidney failure.

Hence it could be concluded that people with vitiligo should maintain adequate levels of vitamin D for improving their skin condition.

Having Vitiligo and Avoiding Pain

Having Vitiligo and Avoiding Pain, There would be not any single person in this world who would like awkwardness, discomfort, pain and uncomfortable in his life. Do you? Probably there are few (very few rather) who have learned how to deal with awkwardness, discomfort and pain that life gives. Well, you can put me in this category.
You would be thinking why these feelings don’t matter to me or why I love to deal with them? Actually you are able to learn several things through these feelings. I wanted to be a healthiest person and started working to achieve optimal health.

Probably the main reason of becoming healthy was to avoid Vitiligo in my life or to get affected by this widely spreading disease at the moment.
An exercise program was then selected by me whom I started initially as three times a week. Actually I live in San Francisco Bay Area and therefore hiking is my regular habit year around. This habit helped me a lot in losing weight but I regained pigmentation (especially on my hands). Though it helped me in gaining lean muscle mass, but some parts of my legs lost pigmentation, and some Vitiligo spots also became evident in different areas on my chest (which were not there previously). I am also used to do Yoga on daily basis and now I feel fit and healthy.
Though I feel little discomfort as well as pain by doing these exercises but eventually it helps me keeping myself fit. This discomfort and pain obviously were necessary for me only if it was my intention to remain in shape.


All other areas of my life are also evident to this same pattern. Actually the growth in these areas requires me to experience discomfort socially (particularly in my every day life and in relationships).
There was an amazing realization in my mind (not that far in my past). I suddenly realized that I didn’t keep Vitiligo in my mind while I was busy in keeping myself healthy and fit for several months. I totally ignored the lack of pigmentation while I was busy in shaving myself which became evident eventually on my neck as well as around my mouth. Even it spreads all over my face but I didn’t worry about. I regularly went on dates and never brought a single thought in my mind that what someone would think about me. I only see me whenever I see my reflection in my window glass and totally ignore my disease Vitiligo. The disease is really nothing to me.

Vitamins and Vitiligo

There is evidence that vitamin consumption can lead to some stabilization and in some cases repigmentation. Vitiligo patients showed significant improvement in the following clinical studies.
A clinical study describes the use of vitamin supplements in the treatment of vitiligo. Supplementation with large amounts of folic acid (1-10 mg. per day), vitamin C (1 gram per day) and vitamin B12 injections (1,000 mcg. every other week), produced marked repigmentation in eight of the fifteen people studied. These improvements became apparent after three months, but complete repigmentation required one to two years of continuous supplementation.

Abnormally low levels of Vitamin B12, Folic Acid and Vitamin C are found in a large number of vitiligo patients.

Vitiligo: Nutritional Therapy, by Leopoldo Montes, M.D., M.S., FRCPC Westhoven Press, Buenos Aires.

Patients with vitiligo show diminished blood levels of folic acid, Vitamin B12, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Prolonged oral administration of these vitamins was followed by definite repigmentation without side effects.

Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 in Vitiligo: A Nutritional Approach, Cutis Magazine, Volume 50, July 1992.

In India, BEHL (1994), a vitiligo expert who has probably managed more vitiligo patients than any other dermatologist worldwide, has observed copper deficiency in the serum and in the skin of vitiligo patients.
Vitiligo: Nutritional Therapy, by Leopoldo Montes, M.D., M.S., FRCPC, Westhoven Press. Buenos Aires.

Nutritional deficiencies, both in animals and in humans, are known to alter melanin pigmentation. Copper and zinc deficiencies have been reported to induce hypopigmentation in various animals. Hypopigmentation of the skin and hair results from copper deficiency in humans; the depigmentation associated with chronic excessive molybdenum intake is related to a decreased storage of copper in the liver. Copper would seem of prime importance because tyrosinase is a known copper-requiring enzyme.

Vitiligo and Other Hypomelanoses of Hair and Skin, by Jean-Paul Ortonne, M.D., Plenum Medical Book Company, NY.

Achromotrichia has been claimed as an early indicator or copper insufficiency. This color change is associated with the decreased activity of tyrosinase, a copper-containing polyphenyl oxidase which is required for the synthesis of melanin pigment from tyrosine.

Copper in Animals and Man, Volume II, by John Howell, McC., D.V.Sc., F.R. C.Path. Jeffrey M. Gawthorne, Ph.D., CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, FL.

Vitiligo Disease

The malfunctioning or the permanent loss of skin cells actually result in the end in a skin disorder which is generally named as Vitiligo. These skin cells are named in medical science as melanocytes that are in general responsible to give color to your skin. The skin actually gets white, smooth patches on different areas only because of loss of melanocytes, particularly in the middle of healthier or normally pigmented skin. It is said that between 1 and 2 percent of total population in the world is the victim of Vitiligo even though this is not a contagious disease.



This disease is generally renowned as inherited disease and cause skin disorder. But this skin disorder may also be the result of some other interrelated factors within your body. There are many cases in which patients claimed a traumatic stressful incident the basic reason of suffering from Vitiligo in their lives. It means this skin disorder may also be associated to stress. It produces only milky white skin as infection. Vitiligo patients may also have diabetes mellitus in higher frequency, may have abnormalities, pernicious anemia and thyroid disease.
Generally this skin disorder attack on the sun-exposed area of the body, such as feet, hands, neck, face etc. But it may also disturb (affect) other parts of the body, including genitals. Vitiligo doesn’t discriminate between women and men and both have equal threats of being affected. It is a disease which has no specific reason to start in any age group. But majority of Vitiligo cases have been noted started before age 20 which means this skin disorder even doesn’t leave children.


Non-segmental (also known as the generalized) and segmental are widely recognized as the two major types of Vitiligo patterns at the moment. We see non-segmental pattern very commonly in majority of the Vitiligo affected people and it typically attack on toes, fingers, bony areas etc. because it generally affects body openings or its surrounding areas. Non-segmental Vitiligo may affect anyone in any age while teenagers are the major victims of segmental Vitiligo.
The appearance of light pink white patches on any person’s body is the clear symptom of Vitiligo Disease, but some grey/white hair patches are also among the notable symptoms of this skin disorder. These hair patches are generally scene in the scalp, iris of the eyes or even on the retina. Usually the observation is the only source to diagnose this skin disorder, however a few tests may also be recommended by a doctor if he is still unsure about his diagnosis.
Every Vitiligo patient must have to be treated excellently because this disease is still cureless and needs expert advices to manage. You may find several famous ointments and medicines in the market that may suit many to manage this skin disorder properly. The persistent struggle to find cure for Vitiligo has also produced some modern remedies over the years, in which laser treatments and surgeries are on top. However, every modern remedy has certain side effects and couldn’t provide complete cure to Vitiligo so far. Therefore, any herbal formula is always recommended to all Vitiligo patients to cure this disease.

Vitiligo Skin Bleaching

The only aim to deal with Vitiligo or depigmentation for anyone suffering from this skin disorder is nothing but to achieve unification in skin color virtually all over the pigmented areas of the body. It is also the prime goal of those who have failed PUVA, who reject PUVA option or those who can’t use PUVA. There is an irreversible, permanent process for all such patients which is bleaching with monobenzylether of hydroquinone cream, just like Benoquin 20% cream.
You cannot use Benoquin on certain areas of normal pigmentation selectively only because the application of this bleaching cream is generally associated to distant depigmentation and there is a little chance of developing distant and new white patches on the sufferer’s skin over the use of months. Well, generally a Vitiligo patient may attract side effects of bleaching with Benoquin if applied twice daily. You should contact dermatitis in this situation. But the fact is that this process has over 93% success rate.



Well, an occasional Vitiligo patient may observe focal repigmentation only if he/she periodically follows sun exposure and a further application of bleaching with Benoquin will be required to go back to the original condition before sun exposure. You will get the same chalk-white color of your skin in the end of the process of bleaching with Benoquin. Well, the finality and uniformity of the end-result color is satisfied to many customers.
It is recommended to apply 30 to 60 mg beta-carotene by an occasional Vitiligo patient to impart on off-white (pigmented) skin color to the original skin color. The risk of diarrhea is the only side effect this method has exposed so far. It is said that the patients who select bleaching with Benoquin are always at risk (during process) for sunburn. Therefore midday sun exposure is strictly prohibited for all such patients and they are advised to use high-SPF sunscreen if sun exposure is necessary.
The usage of monobenzylether of hydroquinone has not reported any side effect so far especially if we discuss about the long-term side effects.

Living with Vitiligo

Once can feel a Vitiligo diagnosis same like a life sentence only because of unpredictable flow of this disease. Actually no one can be sure about the progress process of this disease and therefore, Vitiligo sufferers / patients must have to learn how to live with this skin disorder until a cure is found. One can find different available natural Vitiligo treatments suitable to improve skin conditions and in fact, some of these Vitiligo natural treatments may have impact for many years. But a fear of white patches return is always there and even they can spread / progress more rapidly than before.
Mostly Vitiligo sufferers / patients experience a wide range of emotions and feelings after they have been diagnosed including depression, isolation, anxiety, guilt, fear, anger, denial, shock and finally acceptance. Only a few of people with Vitiligo get to the last stage, and lack of confidence and low self esteem become the reason of overwhelming in majority of people. A few number of Vitiligo sufferers are literally unable to utilize their full potential, and even many cases of children (Vitiligo patients) bullied and teased have also been noted at many schools.


You only need to realize that Vitiligo can’t take your life and then this skin disorder can never stop you doing what you want to do in your life. Vitiligo is just part of your life. So try to build up your self esteem by focusing on your all good points. It will definitely help you to put this skin disorder in perspective. Once you achieved your self confidence, you will be able to go out in public and deal with rude remarks and intrusive staring. You will not feel ugly or ashamed of your current appearance. Mostly people need help to boost their self confidence after they have been diagnosed Vitiligo. Though the key support is always received from family and friends, but a course of counseling may also work better.
Actually white patches are something different and strange to many people and they actually do not know about them, so it is not surprising that you find people starring at your Vitiligo sights. They afraid of getting involved in this skin disorder, so they might recoil after looking at your white patches. As you are not obliged to talk on this matter, so you can’t explain people what you can do to dispel their fears. But in fact, you should discuss it with people in your circle, especially with strangers, how much or how little, it is up to you. A few explanatory phrases must always be in your mind like “This is a skin disorder, called Vitiligo that actually pigment skin cells. My cells are not functioning exactly they should and eventually white patches are seen on my skin. It is not catching and you shouldn’t fear of this skin-discoloring because it is not life-threatening.” You can be humorous enough to deal with insensitive or rude remarks while in the public and try some funny remarks to deal with the situation.
Though losing skin color may threaten your racial identity but one has to understand that suffering from Vitiligo is not a tragedy at all, particularly if you have black or dark brown skin color. You should understand that skin color is not the only thing that describes your personality, but your religious and cultural beliefs, education, personality, the country you are living in, upbringing and family background are more important factors that describe who you are. Judging anyone through skin color is simply the stupidity you could say.

Overcoming Vitiligo with Proper Treatment

Vitiligo is one of the many skin condition but many people does not have any idea about what it is it really. It is generally a condition wherein the cells of the skin of a person that is responsible for pigmentation stop functioning. It is considered to be a serious kind of pigmentation disorder wherein a person with such skin and cell problem will have white patches and spots on different parts of the body and hairs would likely grow from there.
In particular pigments are the ones responsible for the coloration of a person’s skin and when they become damage and stop working properly, they will cause vitiligo. Some of the other factors that cause this autoimmune disease include immense stress, hereditary oxidative intense imbalance, harm to the person skin because of a sunburn or cut, a viral cause, a neural cause, and exposure to certain harmful chemicals. Some of the symptoms of vitiligo consist of itching, hair loss, headaches, and dizziness as well as white patches and spots appearing on face, arms, elbows, hands, and fingers.
If you have seen symptoms of vitiligo and you’ve discovered that you indeed have such condition, you shouldn’t be too anxious because vitiligo can now be cured. With further studies and researches done by experts and doctors, they have discovered different treatments for vitiligo. However, from these many treatments which are the most effective and proper medication you should pursue. Few of the many medical therapies you can follow are Topical immunomodulators, Topical corticosteroid, Topical psoralen plus ultraviolet, Narrowband ultraviolet, Excimer Laser, Oral psoralen photo chemotherapy, and Ultra-Violet B-band therapy.

There are also surgical treatments that can be helpful by means of repigmenting through transplanting active pigments such as Blister Grafting, Autologous Skin graft, Melanocyte Transplantation, and Tattooing. Moreover, vitiligo can be controlled using herbal treatments and herbal therapies like vitiligo oils and products which are said to be the best method for treating such kind of skin disease.
Accordingly, changing your current lifestyle and usual eating habits can be very helpful in overcoming vitiligo. All you need to do is simply follow a special diet to prevent your skin condition from getting worse and so you will get proper nutrition to keep you at least healthy and energetic. Part of your special diet should include eating lots of whole grains but not processed grains, which are good sources of vitamins and minerals that can fully enhance your body’s defence system against infection.
You should also eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits except citrus fruits, which are also good sources of vitamins and minerals good for your skin to produce enough melanin. Eating nuts is also good for your skin as it contains protective photochemicals and vital fats, and is rich in vitamin E that can repair your skin from damages. If you are able to follow this special diet, for sure you will have a better well-being and you won’t have to worry much about your skin disease along with all other problems you have like looking for hmrc tax credits.