Treatment guidelineTriggers

Treatment guideline

On the outside, severe sunburn, physical skin damage, prolonged contact with certain chemicals containing:

  • p-phenylenediamine (also known as para-phenylene diamine or PPD)
  • para-tertiary butylphenol (PTBP)
  • monobenzylether of hydroquinone (MBH)

may induce or worsen vitiligo. Industrial items with PPD or PTBP include permanent hair dyes, fabric and leather colorants, printing inks, motor oil additives, fiberglass products, plywood, masonry sealant, insecticides and commercial disinfectants. Medical items with PTBP include hearing aids, prosthesis and athletic tape. Skin lighting creams and soaps in certain countries may contain MBH in excessive concentrations.

On the inside, psychological stress is the most frequent trigger for vitiligo. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, delivery and menopause may also be the culprit, as can excessive pressure and friction from lingerie, shoes, or sporting equipment. Parasites and chronic gastritis that impair absorption of vital elements by the digestive system may also precipitate vitiligo.



FAQOther Questions

  • How can I cure vitiligo?

    Currently, there is no cure for vitiligo. However, many treatments can help manage the condition by restoring skin pigmentation, halting the progression of depigmentation, and i...

  • Is there a traditional medicine to treat vitiligo?

    Traditional remedies can play a supportive role in managing chronic, metabolic, and stress-related conditions—particularly early in the disease process, before significant tissu...

  • Will it spread?

    Vitiligo's progression and response to treatment can vary significantly among individuals, making it a particularly unpredictable skin condition. Based on the VALIANT study, her...