english version: DOCTORS AND TREATMENTS NATURAL & ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
How is vitiligo diagnosed?
If a doctor suspects that a person has vitiligo, he or she usually begins
by asking the person about his or her medical history. Important factors
in a person's medical history are a family history of vitiligo; a rash,
sunburn, or other skin trauma at the site of vitiligo 2 to 3 months before
depigmentation started; stress or physical illness; and premature graying
of the hair (before age 35). In addition, the doctor will need to know
whether the patient or anyone in the patient's family has had any
autoimmune disorders and whether the patient is very sensitive to the sun.
The doctor will then examine the patient to rule out other medical
problems. The doctor may take a small sample (biopsy) of the affected
skin. He or she may also take a blood sample to check the blood-cell count
and thyroid function. Most certainly, the doctor will examine your skin
with a special black light called a Woods Light, which illuminates areas
of vitiligo. This also helps the doctor rule out other conditions. For
some patients, the doctor may recommend an eye examination to check for
uveitis (inflammation of part of the eye). A blood test to look for the
presence of antinuclear antibodies (a type of autoantibody) may also be
done. This test helps determine if the patient has any other autoimmune
conditions.
One doctor told me vitiligo could not be treated. Is that correct?
Vitiligo is difficult to treat - that much is true. But in the past few
years, new treatments have been developed that are working better. And
there are more options. Vitiligo can be treated, though results can take
time. Even though treatment can take from 6 months up to two years or
longer to see results, there are many treatments out there to try - and
some newer treatments are showing faster results. Where you don't see good
results with one treatment, another may work better. Many doctors are only
familiar with PUVA and steroid creams, older technologies in treating
vitiligo (though certainly quite viable and successful for many). The
reason for this is twofold. On the one hand, many dermatologists are very
conservative when it comes to treatment, and for many reasons, are not
quick to try new things. On the other hand, vitiligo is just one aspect of
a dermatologist's practice, and many doctors simply cannot stay abreast of
all new treatments. Part of the purpose of VitiligoSupport.com is to help
patients inform doctors about new treatments as they are developed.
A doctor told me vitiligo was just cosmetic, I was lucky I didn't have
cancer, and not to worry about it. Is he right?
No. While it's true that vitiligo is not fatal, and that it has no other
physical symptoms other than white patches, the emotional and social
effects of vitiligo on people are well-documented. Vitiligo should not be
dismissed by a doctor as merely cosmetic. If this occurs though, do not be
angry. Explain to the doctor that this condition is hurting you
psychologically, and that it is important to you that your condition be
taken seriously.
What treatment options are available?
Today, there is more research and more treatments options available than
ever before. In addition to the traditional therapies such as the PUVA
system and steroid creams, new technologies have been developed, including
narrow-band UVB, Pseudocatalase cream, excimer lasers, skin grafting and
pigment transplantation, topical psoralens, and potentially, the use of
immunomodulators.
There is no one treatment that works for everyone. Different therapies
work better for different people. While one person may respond extremely
well to PUVA, another may respond better to narrow band UVB or
immunomodulators. For this reason, many vitiligo experts will try
different therapies on a patient until they find what works best for that
person.
How long does it take to treat vitiligo? When should I expect results?
Results from the treatments available vary by person. Some people will see
results from treatment within 3 to 6 months. Others may not see results
for 8 months. With immunomodulators, some people are reporting some
repigmentation with 4 to 8 weeks. For others it is taking longer. The rule
of thumb, is that you will need to allow at least 3 to 6 months before you
begin to see results from ANY treatment. Additionally, you should expect
to treat for up to two years or longer, in order to see good results. If
you try a treatment for 3 months, and then quit because you saw no
results, you did not wait long enough.
Are there any new treatments being worked on?
In addition to some of the new treatments mentioned above, one of the
newest treatments for vitiligo is an ointment called "Protopic."
Protopic is an immunomodulator ointment, which may address the underlying
immune system issues in vitiligo. A cream form of immunomodulator is now
available called Elidel. More research and development than ever before is
being conducted about vitiligo and treating it. Even the mapping of the
human genome, and the advent of gene sequencing computers, show much
potential.
What is PUVA?
PUVA is one of the oldest methods used for treating vitiligo. Oral PUVA
therapy is used for people with more extensive vitiligo (affecting greater
than 20 percent of the body) or for people who do not respond to topical
PUVA therapy. Oral psoralen is not recommended for children under 10 years
of age because of an increased risk of damage to the eyes, such as
cataracts. For oral PUVA therapy, the patient takes a prescribed dose of
psoralen by mouth about 2 hours before exposure to artificial UVA light or
sunlight. The doctor adjusts the dose of light until the skin areas being
treated become pink. Treatments are usually given two or three times a
week, but never 2 days in a row. The person must avoid sunlight after
treatment for 12-24 hours, and must wear wrap around sunglasses to protect
their eyes. The most common side effects of PUVA are sunburn, and stomach
upset due to the psoralen pills. Most patients find that eating something
heavy before taking psoralen pills, such as ice cream or french fries or a
hamburger, greatly reduces or eliminates an stomach upset.
What is PUVA-SOL?
For patients who cannot go to a PUVA facility, the doctor may prescribe
psoralen to be used with natural sunlight exposure. The doctor will give
the patient careful instructions on carrying out treatment at home and
monitor the patient during scheduled checkups.
What is a topical steroid cream or ointment?
Steroid creams include such brand names as Elocon, Ultravate, Cyclocort,
Descort, Pramasone, and Tridesilon. If the suffix of a drug ends in
"-ate," "-one" or the word "cort" is in it,
it most likely contains a steroid or steroid derivative. Other names may
be used though.
Although still not completely understood, steroids may be helpful in
repigmenting the skin, particularly if started early in the condition and
where only a few patches or spots need to be treated. Corticosteroids are
a group of drugs similar to the hormones produced by the adrenal glands
(such as cortisone). Doctors often prescribe a mild topical corticosteroid
cream for children under 10 years old and a stronger one for adults.
Patients must apply the cream to the white patches on their skin for at
least 3 months before seeing any results. It is the simplest and safest
treatment but not as effective as some other treatments. Treatment must be
carefully montored, as steroids can thin and damage the skin if not
carefully watched. The doctor will closely monitor the patient for side
effects such as skin shrinkage and skin striae (stretch marks). Because of
the side effects, steroid creams should not be used for extended periods
of time.
What is a steroid?
Steroid is the greek word for hormone. Some steroids occur naturally in
the body, such as cortisol, sex hormones, bile acids. Cortisol is
essential for all life. There are many kinds of steroids, Cortico,
Glutico, Sex Hormones and Anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are
illegal. When synthetic steroid hormones are prescribed and used
correctly, they can be very helpful, and their side-effects can be greatly
reduced. But when safeguards are ignored, damage can result.
What is topical psoralen therapy?
Topical psoralen photochemotherapy often is used for people with a small
number of depigmented patches (affecting less than 20 percent of the
body). It is also used for children 2 years old and older who have
localized patches of vitiligo. Treatments are done in a doctor's office
under artificial UVA light once or twice a week. The doctor or nurse
applies a thin coat of psoralen to the patient's depigmented patches about
30 minutes before UVA light exposure. The patient is then exposed to an
amount of UVA light that turns the affected area pink. The doctor usually
increases the dose of UVA light slowly over many weeks. Eventually, the
pink areas fade and a more normal skin color appears. Most patients wash
off any topical residue after treatment. The two major potential side
effects of topical psoralen therapy are severe sunburn and blistering and
occasionally too much repigmentation or darkening of the treated area or
the normal skin surrounding the vitiligo (hyperpigmentation).
Hyperpigmentation is usually a temporary problem and eventually disappears
when treatment is stopped.
What is Narrow Band UVB?
Narrow Band Ultra Violet B Light is a relatively new technology on the
vitiligo front. In the past, most doctors have used the PUVA system, which
involved the use of Ultra Violet A light exposure and the taking of
Psoralen pills. However, side effects for many people were unbearable.
Narrow Band UVB light panels and cabinets solve the problems of
over-exposure to ultraviolet by maximizing delivery of narrow-band UVB
radiation (in the 311-312 nanometer range, the most beneficial component
of natural sunlight) while minimizing exposure to superfluous UV
radiation.
This narrow band allows patients to receive photo-therapy treatments with
less risk of severe burning or pathogenic exposure to UV in harmful
ranges. It also avoids the adverse side effects of the psoralens used in
conventional PUVA therapy, since UVB treatment does not require that any
medications be taken. These benefits have made Narrow Band UVB systems
increasingly popular with vitiligo patients and their doctors, and even
home systems are available.
What is Protopic Immunomodulator?
Protopic immunomodulator (Tacrolimus) is a product which locally
suppresses the immune response in a given area of skin. A possible new
advance in the treatment of vitiligo, Protopic, an ointment made by
Fujisawa Pharmaceuticals in Japan, works to down-regulate (suppress) the
immune response in a local area of skin, where the vitiligo is located.
The ointment is showing remarkable success in many (but not all) people
who are using it. Protopic ointment is currently indicated for the
treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). Currently, the
approved label has no specific mention of vitiligo, and the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) regulatory requirements do not support the clinical
investigation or use of Protopic in vitiligo at this time. However,
following research and studies, it is hoped by many patients that such
approval will be merited. The most common advice for patients by doctors
is to apply the ointment twice a day. Many doctors recommend their
vitiligo patients get some natural sunlight a few times a week. Some
doctors are testing Narrow Band UVB with Protopic as well. The product is
available in .03% strength and the stronger .1% strength.
Protopic immunomodulator
ointment, is made from a rare soil bacterium found only on Mount Tsukuba
on the island of Honshu in Japan. Well known for the rare and indigenous
flora that grow there, this soil bacterium appears to have unique
qualities in supressing immune response.
Most experts believe that vitiligo is the result of the immune system
mistakenly generating antibodies to one's own pigment cells, which then
attack and kill or weaken such cells. When applied locally to
vitiligo-affected skin, Protopic may prevent the immune cells from
attacking the pigment cells, so that they have time to grow and reproduce.
Most reassuring to many, is that Protopic does not seem to be readily
absorbed into the bloodstream or body, keeping the treatment fairly
localized.
Approved by the FDA for use on excema (but not yet on vitiligo), many
patients have expressed good results in treating their vitiligo, though no
official studies or findings or scientific data have yet been published or
reported. Dr. Pearl Grimes, a well-respected authority on the subject of
vitiligo, has conducted an investigator-initiated study in Los Angeles
with support from Fujisawa to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Protopic
in the treatment of vitiligo. The results in the study group have been
very encouraging. You can read an initial report here.
In the United States, it is within each doctor's discretion to prescribe
Protopic for use on vitiligo, even though it has not received FDA approval
or support for that specific purpose yet. Keeping that in mind, if you are
interested in Protopic, you should discuss it with your dermatologist.
Many health insurance companies in the U.S. will not yet pay for Protopic
for the treatment of vitiligo, because it is only federally approved for
eczema. Patients in other countries, such as Canada, have reported better
success in getting their health insurance to cover Protopic. Hopefully
this will change soon. The product can be quite expensive, costing some
patients from $60 to $100 per month. For more information and news
articles about Protopic, click here.
What are Elidel, Aldara and Imiquimod?
Like Protopic, these products are all forms of immunomodulators or immune
response modifiers. Elidel is a product called Pimecrolimus, that is very
similar to Protopic, but comes in a cream form. Many patients prefer the
cream form, as it is less greasy, but whether it works as well is still
being investigated. Aldara (Imiquimod) is a cream which has shown some
positive results for those with vitiligo. It is also an immune response
modifier.
What is Pseudocatalase (Pcat)?
Pseudocatalase, also called Pcat for short, is also a relatively new
treatment option for vitiligo. The cream, which is applied twice a day, is
designed to reduce epidermal hydrogen peroxide in vitiliginous skin, found
to be in higher levels in those with vitiligo. It also purports to make
the dermal environment healthier for melanocytes and keratinocytes,
resulting in increased functioning of the melanocytes in the involved
epidermis. Pseudocatalase is usually done in combination with narrow band
UVB light therapy. Pseudocatalase does not make the skin more sun
sensitive, and it does not matter when it is applied in relation to the
UVB therapy. Pseudocatalase is available from Griefswald University in
Germany, and also from Northwestern University in Chicago.
I heard there was a dispute over Pseudocatalase. What's the story?
Pseudocatalase was developed by Karin Schallreuter, a German physician who
works with research teams both at Bradford University in Yorkshire,
England, and Griefswald University in Germany. The patent to
Pseudocatalase was eventually sold to Steifel Labs in Florida, in return
for generous support of the research project. Up until that point in 1998
or 1999, Pcat was only available from Dr. Schallreuter in Germany. At some
point, Steifel gave approval to a team at Northwestern University, to also
begin producing Pcat in the United States.
Dr. Schallreuter has claimed that the Northwestern formula is not the same
as the one she created, is missing ingredients, and claims that it does
not work well, if at all. Many patients who have tried both products,
claim that the Northwestern formula is much heavier to apply, does not
last as long, and that the European formula works better. However some
patients do maintain that they did not begin repigmenting until they began
the Northwestern formula. Although research is being conducted, the
controversy between the parties still exists. Although they have been
encouraged to work together on the project, Dr. Schallreuter maintains
that the two teams, though they have talked, are not yet cooperating. You
can read more about the controversy in Dr. Schallreuter's article here.
What is Ratokderm?
Ratokderm is a laser technology for treating vitiligo, only available in
Milan, Italy. Many people find their website accidentally, because,
ironically, the Italian Ratokderm company happens to own the domain,
"vitiligo.com" which nearly every person with vitiligo has
visited just to see where it leads.
Ratokderm basically uses a laser beam of Narrow Band UVB light. The
company says that this technology allows patients to completely give up
the use of drugs in treating their condition, allow a point by point
treatment of their vitiligo with the laser, and, avoid the more dangerous
bands of UV light. This treatment is virtually identical to the American
Excimer laser.
What is an Excimer Laser?
As described above, an excimer laser is basically a highly concentrated
beam of UV light, directed at vitiligo spots or patches, without affecting
the pigmented skin around them. Developed by Dr. James Spencer at Mt.
Sinai Hospital in New York, this treatment has the advantage of requiring
no medications, and with virtually no side effects. Recently approved by
the FDA, the treatment is more expensive than other methods, and often not
covered by health insurance, however many dermatologists are offering
excimer laser treatment in their offices.
The commercial product, called Xtrac Laser, is produced by a company
called Photomedex in Radnor, Pennsylvania, and many patients are reporting
good results.
What is a "cosmeceutical"?
Though not yet on the market, several pharmaceutical companies are working
on products called "cosmeceuticals" -- part cosmetic, part
pharmaceutical. These products, which are now under research and
development, may be able to stimulate the rapid growth of healthy
melanocytes (and the production of melanin) in the skin. By stimulating
melanocytes and melanin production at the molecular level, these products
may well represent a new era in sunless tanning technology, a
multi-million dollar industry, that to date has relied on chemical
staining. And while not a "cure," these cosmeceuticals may some
day provide a fast-acting and sustainable treatment for vitiligo.
What is skin grafting?
In an autologous (use of a person’s own tissues) skin graft, the doctor
removes skin from one area of a patient's body and attaches it to another
area. This type of skin grafting is sometimes used for patients with small
patches of vitiligo. The doctor removes sections of the normal, pigmented
skin (donor sites) and places them on the depigmented areas (recipient
sites). There are several possible complications of autologous skin
grafting. Infections may occur at the donor or recipient sites. The
recipient and donor sites may develop scarring or an uneven appearance, or
may fail to repigment at all. Treatment with grafting takes time and is
costly, but does work for some people.
What is autologous melanocyte transplant?
In this procedure, the doctor takes a sample of the patient's normally
pigmented skin and places it in a laboratory dish containing a special
cell culture solution to grow melanocytes. When the melanocytes in the
culture solution have multiplied, the doctor transplants them to the
patient's depigmented skin patches. A fairly new technology, this
procedure is still in the experimental stages.
What is depigmentation?
Depigmentation involves fading the rest of the skin on the body to match
the already white areas. For people who have vitiligo on more than 50
percent of their body, depigmentation may be the best treatment option.
Patients apply the drug monobenzylether of hydroquinone (monobenzone or
Benoquin) twice a day to pigmented areas until they match the already
depigmented areas. Patients must avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with
other people for at least 2 hours after applying the drug. The major side
effect of depigmentation therapy is inflammation (redness and swelling) of
the skin. Patients may experience itching or dry skin. Depigmentation is
generally permanent and cannot be reversed. In addition, a person who
undergoes depigmentation will always be unusually sensitive to sunlight.
How do I find a doctor that treats vitiligo and is knowledgeable,
compassionate and understanding?
The best way to find a doctor who treats vitiligo, as with most
professionals, is from a personal referral from a friend or family member
or a respected family physician. Of course, that may be easier said that
done, since you may not know anyone with vitiligo other than you. One
option, is the doctor search we have created on VitiligoSupport.com, and
which you can click on from the left menu bar. Of course, you may live
somewhere where there are no vitiligo experts. So then what? Well, many of
our members have found that Universities and Colleges (all over the world)
which have dermatology departments, are often the best place to find the
best minds. The people there will often be very familiar with new
technologies, or certainly open to new information. Depending on many
factors, some doctors are definitely more open to new technologies, while
others resist. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor if his office uses
specific therapies, such as Narrow Band UVB or Protopic. Finally, if you
have found a doctor, but he uses only limited technologies to treat
vitiligo, then do not be afraid to share information with him. Tell him
that they are using immunomodulators successfully to treat vitiligo. Share
information about Excimer lasers and narrow-band UVB. Many of our members
have found their dermatologists extremely willing to try new therapies,
and excited to hear about new research.
Are there parts of the body that are harder to treat than others?
For some reason, certain parts of the body, including the hands, feet, and
some areas where the hair has turned white, do seem to be harder to treat
than other areas. However, many of today's brightest experts in the
treatment of vitiligo, maintain that ANY vitiligo spot can be repigmented,
and even hair repigmented, with enough work and dedication.
Can the genitals be treated?
Obviously a sensitive subject, but one many people with vitiligo have
questions about. The reality is, a substantial number of people with
vitiligo (estimated at 25 to 40 percent) do experience at least some (if
not extensive) vitiligo on their genitals. For many people, this can be a
serious effect on their own esteem, and in their social and sexual lives.
Yes, genitals *can* be treated and are, and are often very receptive to
treatment. Traditional therapies, such as steroid creams, and PUVA, have
been used to treat the genitals, both male and female. Limited use of
steroid creams has brought repigmentation to many. Topical psoralen has
also been used. Pseudocatalase cream and Narrow Band UVB is generally safe
to use, and excimer laser and Ratokderm type systems are also used on the
genitals. Protopic immunomodulator has also been prescribed by doctors for
use on the genitals. With any ointment or cream being applied to the
genitals, care should be taken around the urethra and vaginal openings to
avoid risk of irritation or infection.
Is it safe to use all treatments on the face and around the eyes?
Certainly with ointments and creams, you want to discuss this with your
doctor. Generally, most are quite safe, but it is wise to avoid getting
anything in the eye to begin with. The greatest risk to the eyes from
vitiligo treatment is UV exposure. Prior to any treatment with UV light,
it is wise to have a full Ophthalmic exam. Of course, many people keep
their eyes covered with goggles while getting UV therapy. But what if you
have areas to treat around your eyes (peri-occular)? Most dermatologists
will allow you to remove the goggles and keep your eyes gently shut for
some period of time during each treatment. You should discuss this with
your dermatologist prior to any treatment.
What if my health insurance won't cover my vitiligo treatments?
Many health insurance companies will initially reject treatments for
vitiligo, or will approve only some, because they claim the condition is
only cosmetic. Of course we know that's not true. The key with insurance
companies, is to be persistent until you achieve success. Until health
insurance companies universally begin accepting vitiligo as a legitimate
medical condition that affects psychological and physical well-being, in
addition to susceptibility to sunburn, this is how it must be done.
The first step, is to have your dermatologist write a letter to the
insurance company, explaining vitiligo, explaining the psycho-social
effect, and the physical risks of vitiligo, such as serious sunburn. This
is often sufficient, but it will be more convincing if you follow up with
a letter of your own to the health insurance approval dept. Sometimes it
will take more letters, phone calls, and supporting evidence, but if you
are persistent, most insurance companies, even HMO's, will eventually give
in, rather than have to receive any more letters and calls from you.
NATURAL & ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
Are there really natural/alternative remedies for treating vitiligo?
Absolutely; some examples you can find by searching the internet are
homeopathy and supplementation. The most publicized story involving
supplementation is “Emily’s Vitiligo”.
What is Olive Leaf Extract (OLE)?
Olive Leaf Extract is, as the name implies, derived from the leaves of the
olive tree. It is a source of many phytochemicals, primarily oleuropein
20%, which enzymes break down into elenolic acid. Olive Leaf Extract is an
herbal supplement usually referred to as OLE on this board. Olive Leaf
Extract is often heralded as nature's own antibiotic and may be an
effective, all natural, and nontoxic scientific break through against many
microbes. Many say it can actually eliminate viruses, fungi, bacteria and
other parasites that cause disease which are now resistant to our most
commonly used antibiotics. It is also thought to be a powerful
antioxidant.
What is a free radical? What is an anti-oxidant?
There are a number of mechanisms for free radical production, including
pollutant chemicals and heavy metals. A free radical is an atom or group
of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron and is therefore unstable
and highly reactive. In animal tissues, free radicals can damage cells and
are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular
disease, and other disorders.
Antioxidants are substances, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, or beta
carotene, thought to protect body cells from the damaging effects of
oxidation, and are believed to be a powerful defense against free
radicals.
What is L-Phenylalanine?
L-Phenylalanine is an amino acid that is used in conjunction with natural
sun exposure or ultraviolet radiation therapy to treat Vitiligo.
L-Phenylalanine can be converted into L-tyrosine, L-dopa, norepinephrine,
and epinephrine, but the conversion into L-tyrosine is the process that is
important as L-tyrosine is eventually what is formed by skin cells into
melanin. L-Phenylalanine is used mainly to increase the extent of
repigmentation induced by UVA or NB-UVB therapy. It is not phototoxic and
does not make the skin sun sensitive. Doctors have prescribed this
supplement orally or in the form of a topical cream or gel. When taken
orally, the recommended dosage amount is generally around 50 mg per
kilogram body weight per day. L-Phenylalanine gel is available at Weise
Prescription Shop in Jacksonville, Florida and can also be prescribed by
your doctor as 10% L-Phenylalanine in Cliniderm.
What is Sinvitil/Dermabest?
Sinvitil is a natural topical products that some people use, which
contains sources of vitamins, phytonutrients and antioxidants. Some people
report that Sinvitil is helping them repigment. Others report no results
at all, even after months of treatment. Sinvitil is a formulated gel that
contains an extract of proteolipids (oils). It purports to help stimulate
the pigmentation process. The other ingredients are distilled water,
glycerine, carboxymethylcellulose (a derivative of cellulose used in the
manufacture of processed foods as a stabilizing and emulsifying agent and
in medicine as a laxative), camphor, Menthol, and Kathon (preservative).
I have heard about healing centers at the Dead Sea. Does this therapy
work?
The dead sea’s water is extremely rich in salts and minerals. There are
several clinics there which provide dermatological therapy, and some
people do claim it has been beneficial for their vitiligo.
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a natural method which seeks to repel imbalance out of the
body and allow the body to heal. It has distinct differences from
conventional (also called allopathic) medicine. Homeopathy works with the
body's natural defenses and doesn't seek to merely suppress symptoms but
rather stimulates the body's ability to heal with very small amounts of
natural substances.
What is holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine emphasizes the need to look at the whole person,
including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional,
social, spiritual and lifestyle values. It encompasses all stated
modalities of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery if no
safe alternative exists. Holistic medicine focuses on education and
responsibility for personal efforts to achieve balance and well being.
What is acupuncture?
A procedure used in or adapted from Chinese medical practice in which
specific body areas are pierced with very fine needles for therapeutic
purposes or to relieve pain or produce regional anesthesia. The needless
are also believed to influence physiological functioning of the body,
including the function of the skin and the immune system.
What vitamin therapies are recommended for people with vitiligo?
Although there is no specific recommended system, many members have posted
their vitamin regimens and testimony’s under the member registries. By
browsing through these you will get a good idea what most people are using
and what seems to be working for them. Some studies describe the use of
vitamin supplements in the treatment of vitiligo. Folic acid and/or
vitamin B12 and vitamin C levels have been found to be low in many of the
people with vitiligo studied. Supplementation with large amounts of folic
acid (1–10 mg per day), along with vitamin C (1 gram per day) and
intramuscular vitamin B12 injections (1,000 mcg every two weeks), did
produce repigmentation in some people. In other studies of people with
vitiligo, oral supplementation with folic acid (10 mg per day) and vitamin
B12 (2,000 mcg per day), combined with sun exposure, resulted in some
repigmentation after three to six months in a large number of cases.
What about Vitamin D/Dovonex/Calcipotriol??
When used topically in combination with sun exposure, some patients claim
that a pharmaceutical form of vitamin D, called calcipotriol (Dovonex),
may be effective in stimulating repigmentation in some patients with
vitiligo. Calcipotriol is a prescription medication to be used only under
the supervision of a doctor. It is not known if vitamin D as a dietary
supplement has any effect on vitiligo. It should be noted that some
experts have indicated cases where Calcipotriol caused an exacerbation of
vitiligo.
Do medical doctors recommend vitamin regimens?
Most medical doctors training/curriculums do not include
vitamins/supplements or alternative health approaches. Some curriculums do
include a bit of knowledge on supplementation but it is usually a very
small amount of training. However, among medical doctors who specialize in
vitiligo, there is a strong trend to include vitamin supplements as part
of the treatment of the vitiligo condition.
Naturopathic Doctors on the other hand (ND's), can and will recommend
vitamin regimens as will Clinical Nutritionists or a Doctor of Nutrition.
What about diet and nutrition?
Many believe that nutrition plays a part in the onset of vitiligo, and
that proper nutrition can help in healing vitiligo. In his book
"Emily's Vitiligo", Erick Fricker discusses the fact that
Vitiligo is theorized to be an autoimmune disorder. He goes on to say,
"As an autoimmune disorder it should respond well to a low fat
vegetarian diet. Just as diabetics require less insulin when on this diet.
Reducing the amount of saturated fat floating around in your veins will
make it easier for your body's immune system to identify good and bad
cells. This is the foundation of the treatment we use and besides helping
Emily's vitiligo it has helped my cholesterol and my blood sugar
levels."
I have read about a miracle herbal cure that claims results in a few
weeks. Should I try it?
Before trying any treatment, either herbal or traditional, it would be
wise to check for yourself about any side effects the herb or treatment
may cause. In addition to this seek professional advice from those trained
in the herbal areas and ask lots of questions.
The best source of information comes from satisfied people who have used
the products – if you can have the company promoting the cure send you
viable references of satisfied customers you can contact then you will be
able to make a more sound decision.
èçòî÷íèê: www.vitiligosupport.com, ïðåâîä: åêèïúò íà VITILIGO Áúëãàðèÿ