Vitiligo Treatment: Managing Depigmentation at Home

Vitiligo is a skin disorder that causes a loss of pigmentation or color in the skin, resulting in the skin appearing lighter or turning white. Macules, which are less than 1 centimeter wide, or patches, which are larger than 1 centimeter, are the areas of the skin that lose their pigment.

Prevalent in over 1% of the population worldwide, vitiligo can affect anyone, although it is more noticeable in people with darker skin tones. This skin condition occurs when the immune system attacks melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.

Come along as we take a deep dive into the cause as well as the recommended vitiligo treatment options available to you.

What is vitiligo caused by?

Although the exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, research indicates that several factors may contribute to its development:

• It may be the result of an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks healthy cells, such as melanocytes, mistaking them for harmful invaders like bacteria
• Certain autoimmune disorders, such as Addison’s disease, anemia, diabetes (Type 1), lupus, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disease, may increase the risk of developing vitiligo
• Genetic mutations or changes to DNA can affect melanocyte function, and more than 30 genes may increase the risk of developing vitiligo
• Emotional or physical stress and exposure to environmental triggers such as ultraviolet radiation and toxic chemicals may also play a role

Can vitiligo go away?

Although vitiligo is not harmful to the body, it can be responsible for emotional distress due to its cosmetic nature. Treatment for vitiligo is not always necessary, but if you have widespread vitiligo or if it affects your well-being, you may be seeking vitiligo treatment options, including, or alongside, counseling.

The aim of treatment is to restore color (repigmentation) or eliminate the remaining color (depigmentation) in the skin to create a uniform skin tone. There are several treatment options available, including light therapy, depigmentation therapy, surgery, light boxes, ultraviolet B lights, or medical-grade lasers.

Are there vitiligo treatments I can use at home?

You’d probably agree that some of those options sound quite extreme. If you’d rather opt for vitiligo treatment at home, medications may be worth looking into.

Products with ingredients such as MBEH or monobenzone may be beneficial to you.  This is the only topical ingredient for extensive vitiligo treatment that has been approved by the FDA.

Where can I find the best medication for vitiligo?

When it comes to any kind of medication, it is imperative that you purchase safe, high-quality, and genuine products. We also recommend checking in with your dermatologist to discuss the best vitiligo treatment for your individual needs.

At OKDERMO we are proud to offer science-backed, carefully-selected products from reputable manufacturers. Not only are we home to effective vitiligo treatments, but you’ll find products for almost any skin or health concern in our store. Plus, we ship worldwide!