The most famous celebrity to suffer from this condition was Michael Jackson, although not everyone believed he actually had vitiligo.
Precisely what causes vitiligo is still a mystery, but the leading theory is that it is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system targets the body’s own pigment cells and tissues (Autoimmune Rev., 2010).
Gaining in popularity, however, is the idea that vitiligo is caused by the body’s reduced ability to fight free radicals such as hydrogen peroxide, which can accumulate in the skin and damage melanocytes.
Our cells are normally able to defend themselves against free-radical damage through the actions of antioxidant enzymes such as super-oxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase.
However, several studies have shown that this defence system is impaired in vitiligo sufferers, leading to a state of oxidative stress (Indian J. Dermatol Venereol Leprol., 2009).
Oxidative stress is now thought to play an important role in vitiligo development. New evidence suggests that antioxidants could be the key to finding a cure for this psychologically devastating chronic skin disorder.
The condition of vitiligo is a puzzling, often progressive, condition that causes de-pigmentation (whitening) of the skin in patches. I am sure we can remember how Michael Jackson’s skin became whiter and whiter as he grew older. It arises when melanocytes, the cells responsible for the pigments that give colour to the skin, die or are unable to function normally.
An estimated 100 million people are affected worldwide. As an aside, many years ago I purchased an expensive puppy that was to be a show dog. He had a pink circle on his nose, but I was informed that this would eventually turn black.
Despite winning Puppy of the Year in one of his shows, he never went on to win any more awards because his nose didn’t change colour, due to it suffering from a form of vitiligo. The pigmentation cells did not function correctly and that pink spot remained on its nose for the rest of its life.
Although, medically speaking, vitiligo is usually not harmful and causes no physical pain, its emotional and psychological effects on sufferers can be devastating. In fact, 16 to 35 per cent of sufferers experience significant depression, sleep disturbances, suicidal thoughts and stress. The condition can also lead to difficulties in forming relationships and avoidance of certain social situations (BMC Dermatol., 2008).
The good news about the antioxidant connection is the suggestion that either oral or topically applied antioxidants may be an effective way to treat vitiligo. A number of researchers have already begun to investigate the use of selenium, vitamin C, vitamins E and A for this condition.
In one study with mice, this has shown promising results (Indian J. Dermatol., 2009). Another study with humans found that those who took various supplements while receiving NB-UVB photo-therapy had reduced levels of oxidative stress, but also saw an increase of the effectiveness of photo-therapy when compared to a control group. (Clin. Exp. Dermatol., 2007).
Another group applied antioxidants topically. The cream contained co-enzyme Q10, vitamins C and E and other natural ingredients. Those in the control group using the cream and in conjunction with oral antioxidants saw the greatest statistically significant return of skin re-pigmentation (Invest. Clin., 2007).
In addition, researchers from the University of Florence in Italy recently reported that curcumin (derived from turmeric) and capsaicin (the active ingredient in chili peppers) might represent an alternative approach to halting vitiligo progression. Another natural antioxidant that could potentially help sufferers is Ginkgo Biloba. This herb shows powerful scavenging activity for free radicals and is therefore considered useful for the treatment of diseases related to the production of free radicals.
This herb can now be considered a beneficial treatment for vitiligo, thanks to a high-quality trial conducted in India at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh.
The powerful results prompted the researchers to conclude that Ginkgo Biloba extract seems to be a simple, safe and fairly effective therapy for arresting the progression of the disease (Clin. Exp. Dermatol., 2003).
Some other natural approaches to the condition include getting yourself checked for nutritional deficiencies. Studies have shown a number of sufferers with low folic acid levels, low vitamin C and various other deficiencies. Also, consider low stomach acid, which has been linked to the condition. Consider hypnosis, which has been successfully used as an alternative, or as a complementary therapy, for a variety of dermatological disorders. Dead Sea Climatotherapy (DSC) is an approach which involves bathing daily in the Dead Sea in Jordan for several weeks.
Apparently, this is mainly used for psoriasis; one study has suggested that it may be a beneficial complementary therapy for vitiligo. The study showed that 21 days of DSC, together with the use of a prescription cream called pseudocatalase, led to significantly faster re-pigmentation in sufferers compared with either DSC alone or a placebo cream (Int. J. Dermatol., 2002).
In summary, considerably more trials need to be carried out using Gingko and some other antioxidants to establish the exact role in the treatment of vitiligo, particularly in relation to dosages. Nevertheless, the evidence is overwhelming in praise of free-radical fighting for a cure of this distressing skin condition.
kathryn@maltanet.net