Vitiligo specialist near me

Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.

Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Vitiligo treatment

How it works

Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.

Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.

Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.

Learn about Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin due to the lack of melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color. This condition can affect any area of the skin but is most commonly found on the face, neck, hands, and skin creases. Its prevalence varies, but it's estimated to affect between 0.5% to 2% of the population worldwide, impacting all races and both genders equally.

Causes

The precise cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it is often considered an autoimmune condition, where the immune system attacks and destroys the melanocytes in the skin. Additionally, genetic factors, stress, and skin trauma are thought to contribute to its development. Sunburn and exposure to certain chemicals can also precipitate the condition or exacerbate existing vitiligo.

Signs and symptoms

- Patchy loss of skin color, which usually first appears on sun-exposed areas of the body - Premature whitening or graying of the hair on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard - Loss of color in the tissues that line the inside of your mouth and nose (mucous membranes) - Changes or loss of color in the inner layer of the eyeball (retina) - Discolored patches around the armpits, navel, genitals, and rectum

Diagnosing Vitiligo

Diagnosing vitiligo involves a physical examination, medical history evaluation, and may include a skin biopsy and blood tests to rule out other medical conditions. A Wood's lamp, a tool that uses ultraviolet light, is also commonly used to examine the skin for the presence of depigmentation characteristic of vitiligo.

Prevention and natural treatment

While there's currently no known method to prevent vitiligo, various treatments can help to manage the condition and its symptoms. Functional medicine approaches to treating vitiligo focus on addressing the underlying causes and enhancing the body's healing capacities. Natural treatments and functional medicine approaches for vitiligo include: - Dietary changes: Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric, green leafy vegetables, and omega-3-rich fish can support immune function. - Supplementation: Vitamins C, B12, and D, as well as zinc and folic acid supplements, have been linked to improved skin pigmentation in some cases. - Stress management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help manage stress, which is thought to play a role in autoimmune conditions. - Topical treatments: Natural topical applications, like creams containing phenylalanine, can be effective for some individuals. - Phototherapy: Although not purely natural, narrowband UVB therapy has shown efficacy in restoring pigment in vitiligo patches, especially when combined with natural treatments to support overall skin health. Engaging with a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable in both conventional and functional medicine treatments for vitiligo can help individuals create a comprehensive, personalized approach to managing their condition.

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