Vitiligo is on the list of autoimmune conditions. If you have this condition, your skin may start to lose pigmentation. As a result, you will have discolored patches of skin. Although this condition is not fatal or contagious, it can have a negative impact on your quality of life. You actually have this condition when your cells stop producing melanin. Although it’s not possible to cure vitiligo, you can take some steps to limit its spread. Regardless of the causes and treatment of your vitiligo, below are some ways to help you do just that.

Use sunscreen

Before you go out, don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Actually, sunburn can worsen your condition in addition to damaging your skin. Opt for a broad spectrum sunscreen. For example, it must be SPF 30 or higher. Ideally it should be a waterproof formula. If you are going to spend a whole day outdoors, you should reapply the solution every two hours.

Wear thicker outfits

For better skin protection, you can opt for thicker garments. Actually, the SPF of the clothes provides protection to the skin and restricts the damage. Ideally, you may want to choose thicker fabrics as they offer better protection.

Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds

Sunlamps or tanning beds are not good for you. They don’t obscure those lighter spots unlike what most people think. Instead, sunlamps can cause sunburn on healthy skin. As a result, you may develop more blemishes on your skin. If you really want a tan, you can opt for spray tans or tanning lotions.

don’t get a tattoo

Often times, wounds create a fresh patch of vitiligo on the skin. Usually this new patch appears about two weeks after the wound. We know that tattoos are created by injuring the skin, they increase the spread of vitiligo.

Use ginkgo biloba

The herb ginkgo biloba can help you hinder the spread of vitiligo. In fact, this herb can even help you restore the color of your skin. You can buy this herb in tablet form as a supplement. Be sure to talk to your doctor before purchasing any supplement.

Do not use herbs to stimulate the immune system

Since vitiligo is an immune system disorder, you don’t want to eat an herb that can trigger your immune system. Common herbs that you may want to avoid include spirulina, astragalus, goldenseal, and echinacea.

Use a multivitamin

You can use a multivitamin after your doctor’s approval. In reality, some people with vitiligo are deficient in vitamins. This can make the condition even worse. For a healthy body, common vitamins to take include vitamin E, vitamin C, CoQ10, zinc, and copper. When your body is deficient in certain vitamins, you can opt for vitamin supplements.

Do not use skin lightening products

Most skin lightening products can cause even more pigment loss. So what you need to do is stay away from products that contain hydroquinone.

So these are some simple ways to prevent the spread of vitiligo. However, it is much better to see a special for professional medical treatment. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment based on your vitiligo causes and treatment options. The types of treatments offered at medical centers include melanocyte transplantation, skin grafting, and Waldmann UV therapy, to name a few.