Vitiligo, a skin condition in which melanin production is affected, causes loss of pigmentation in certain parts of the body. Though the condition does not have implications on health, it is best to try and control its spread. There are different methods by way of which you can do this and even try to recover some of the lost pigmentation on that area of your skin. This includes following a healthy diet, using alternative medicines, tea tree oil and yoga. Here is what you should know about using these aspects to deal with vitiligo:

Include foods rich in vitamins and minerals

If you have vitiligo, consume foods rich in vitamins, as it is possible that you may be deficient in these nutrients. Minerals like zinc too can help deal with this condition. Some of the food products that contain these nutrients are meat, fish, dairy products and shellfish. Folic acid, a biologically important compound, should also be included in your diet in the form of folate. This is found in fruits, peas and dried beans. Beef, legumes, nuts and shellfish are rich in zinc.

Opt for repigmentation

You can supplement your diet with Ginkgo biloba, a tree leaf, which can help improve pigmentation. This is because it has the ability to eliminate free radicals which can cause a loss of pigmentation, by damaging skin cells. Also, the extract from the leaf can stimulate blood flow which can enrich the skin cells. Research also indicates that sometimes, the ginkgo biloba can also restore cells responsible for the production of melanin – melanocytes.

Another natural supplement for this condition is Psoralea cordyfolia, an herb. It contains an amino acid called L-phenylalanine. Your skin may get repigmented when this compound is combined with UVA light. This is facilitated when the damaged melanocytes are reactivated. This treatment is often called Psoralea and Ultra-Violet A also known as PUVA.

Preliminary research indicates that phenylalanine when consumed orally or applied on the skin can be effective in inducing pigmentation on skin. These natural supplements are still being studied in relation to their effect on repigmentation.

Tea tree oil

A natural product that can be effective in helping deal with loss of pigmentation is tea tree oil. To use this, you should start by cleansing your skin with a product that suits you. Following this, pat dry the area affected by vitiligo. Next, massage in a few drops of the oil either with your fingers or with a cotton swab. Ensure that this area is not exposed to sunlight. Repeat this process at least twice a day. If you have extremely sensitive skin, you can mix tea tree oil with almond oil and perform the same steps to apply it on your skin.

For best results, you should ideally use additive free tea tree oil. Also ensure that the oil is free of perfumes. It is important to take these precautions as it is possible that any additional compounds in the oil can irritate skin.

Vitiligo can be controlled with yoga, as it helps relieve stress, a condition that can exacerbate it. According to professional yoga trainers, adopting the Uthana Prishthastansana can also be beneficial in preventing vitiligo.

Author Bio: Sally Grey specializes in writing articles about health, diet, longevity and health specialists like Brenda Rusnak. Brenda Rusnak is a health care specialist who writes about healthy-aging and prevention. For more information about healthy-aging and Brenda Rusnak, check her out on Toronto iBegin.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: food,,herbscontrol,vitiligo,benefits,pigmentation,pigment