The most common punch in of vitiligo is nonsegmental vitiligo, also calledgeneralized vitiligo.
Generalized vitiligo causes symmetrical white patches on both sides of the body.
They often get larger over time as depigmentation progresses.
StefaNikolic / Getty Images
This article discusses how to prevent your color loss from getting worse, as well as vitiligo treatment options.
StefaNikolic / Getty Images
Can You Prevent Vitiligo?
Its not yet clear what causes vitiligo, but many researchers believe it is anautoimmune disease.
Anyone can get vitiligo.
However, people with the condition are more likely to have other autoimmune diseases.
Vitiligo sometimes develops in areas of the skin that have experienced minor injuries or sunburn.
It may also sometimes be triggered by emotional distress or chemical exposure.
Vitiligo isnt currently preventable or curable.
Usually, these methods are focused on boosting yourimmune system.
This may help restore healthy melanocytes to the skin or prevent white patches from spreading.
Vitiligo prevention strategies may include diet, supplements, and skin protection.
Diet
Research on whether vitiligo can be prevented or reversed with diet is limited.
There is no hard evidence that a particular vitiligo diet can stop you from developing the condition.
Your options may include topical medications, light therapy, camouflage therapy, repigmentation therapy, and surgery.
A strong topical corticosteroid preparation is most commonly prescribed.
Taken for four to six months, it can lead to repigmentation in 45% of patients.
These may be used in combination with laser treatment.
Light Therapy
Light therapy, also calledphototherapy, is one of the most common treatments for vitiligo.
Light therapy involves exposing white patches of skin to UVB light with laser treatments or light boxes over time.
It can take place at home or in a clinical setting, such as a dermatologists office.
Many people find success with light therapy, but results often disappear within one to four years.
To maintain results, youll most likely need two or three treatments per week.
Other, more permanent options may include skin staining pens or medical tattooing.
Camouflage therapy is often preferred by people who want to avoid the side effects of other vitiligo treatment options.
However, it can be time-consuming to apply the products on a regular basis.
This process is permanent and can take a year or longer.
You might not be eligible for vitiligo surgery if your patches are currently spreading or if you scar easily.
Summary
Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the skin to lose melanin.
Usually, this causes milky-white areas to appear on the skin in patches.
There is currently no known way to prevent or cure vitiligo.
However, you’re free to sometimes prevent your symptoms from getting worse or spreading.
Some vitiligo prevention strategiessuch as diet and taking vitaminsare focused on boosting the immune system.
Protecting the skin from wounds and burns may also help to prevent white patches from spreading.
Vitiligo treatment optionsmay include light therapy, camouflage therapy, repigmentation therapy, or surgery.
A Word From Verywell
There is no single known way to prevent or cure vitiligo.
Consult a dermatologist to talk about your treatment options.
Vitiligo treatment options include medications, light therapy, camouflage therapy, repigmentation therapy, and surgery.
On its own, vitiligo is neither contagious nor life-threatening.
However, the white patches of skin can be more vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Vitiligo.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Vitiligo.
Grimes PE, Nashawati R.The role of diet and supplements in vitiligo management.Dermatol Clin.
2019;32(4):e12625.
2019;25:1017-1023. doi:10.12659/MSM.914898
Harvard T.H.
Chan School of Public Health.Antioxidants.
Vitiligo Society.Living with vitiligo.
American Academy of Dermatology.Vitiligo: diagnosis and treatment.
Wong E, Kurian A.Off-label uses of topical calcineurin inhibitors.Skin Therapy Lett.
2016;21(1):8-10.
Qi F, Liu F, Gao L.Janus kinase inhibitors in the treatment of vitiligo: a review.Front Immunol.
2021;12:790125. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.790125
Food and Drug Administration.Opzelura label.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Vitiligo: diagnosis and treatment.
