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 long does it take to treat vitiligo?

    Vitiligo, a condition characterized by the loss of skin pigment, can be unpredictable in both progression and treatment. The time it takes to treat vitiligo varies significantly...

  • Can a gluten-free diet help with vitiligo?

    It's very unlikely. We have specifically looked into claims that gluten-free diet may ease symptoms of vitiligo, or completely reverse it, and found no firm scientific evidence ...

  • Is vitiligo contagious?

    Vitiligo is not contagious. This means it cannot be spread from person to person through physical contact, sharing personal items, or any other means of transmission. Vitiligo ...