Why Is My Vitiligo Getting Worse and How Can I Prevent Worsening of My Vitiligo?

Vitiligo seems to get worse in some people. In some cases, suddenly the vitiligo patches appear bigger, or new vitiligo patches pop up out of nowhere. All these could seem like vitiligo is getting worse. This article discusses why your vitiligo could be getting worse and also various ways to prevent worsening of vitiligo

Burns and cuts have been found to set off vitiligo flares. This is because of the Koebner phenomenon, which is a reaction that also occurs in psoriasis, lichen planus, and other skin conditions.

You should minimize the risk of an injury or skin trauma that might trigger a vitiligo flare. Do not scrub too hard and do not scratch itchy areas on the skin.

Vitiligo also gets worse with certain hormonal changes. Hormonal fluctuations occurring during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, have been linked with triggering vitiligo flare-ups.

A review published in October 2021, in the “Annals of Medicine & Surgery (London)” states that for approximately 28% of new mothers and 18% of pregnant women, their vitiligo turned worse.⁽¹⁾

Researchers also believe that in the case of women still in their postpartum period, the stress of childbirth can also play a major role in vitiligo outbreaks.

Being exposed to specific things in the environment triggers vitiligo flares in some people with the disease.

A review published in May 2023 in Phytomedicine Plus states that people with vitiligo are more at risk of sunburn and the inflammation associated with it. The lack of melanin on their skin is the reason behind the same.⁽²⁾

It is advised that those with vitiligo should protect themselves from UV rays and take precautions like wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and covering their skin as much as possible with clothing, hats, and sunglasses.

Specific components of hair dye, and skin-care products can set off a vitiligo flare. Research has discovered that women who start hair coloring before age 30 or use hair dye for more than five years have a 50% higher risk of developing chemical vitiligo (a form of vitiligo that does not have a genetic component).⁽³⁾

So it is advised to choose products labeled hypoallergenic that are free of harsh chemicals and irritants.

Psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression affect as many as half of people with vitiligo⁽⁴⁾ and it can play a major role in how often vitiligo flares occur and how severe they could be.

Try out all the stress management and relaxation techniques including yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises to help counter stress and anxiety and promote relaxation.

Some of the ways by which you can prevent worsening of your vitiligo are:

Although there is no strong evidence that a specific “vitiligo diet” can stop someone from developing vitiligo, however, since the condition is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, consuming nutrient-rich foods can help boost the immune system.

Below are some of the foods that one should consider including in their diet and also some foods that they should avoid if they have vitiligo.

A plant-based diet packed with antioxidants, phytochemicals, omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, and vitamin D can help boost your immune system and prevent the white patches (vitiligo patches) from spreading.⁽⁵⁾

Below are some of the foods that you should incorporate into your diet if you have vitiligo.

Antioxidant-rich Foods: Include fruits like berries, green leafy vegetables like kale, nuts, herbs, spices, and chocolates, which are antioxidant-rich foods.⁽⁶⁾

Foods Rich in Phytochemicals: Phytochemicals are compounds found in plants that may protect against cell damage. Brightly colored vegetables and fruits including carrots, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, and sweet potatoes are packed with phytochemicals.⁽⁷⁾ So, try to incorporate these foods into your diet.

Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Oily fish like salmon, seeds, and nuts are some foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids and help boost the function of your immune system and also promote cell repair.⁽⁸⁾

Vitamin D-Rich Foods: Research suggests that vitiligo is linked with vitamin D deficiency.⁽⁹⁾ So, try to add foods that are rich in vitamin D, such as egg yolks, oily fish, and fortified dairy products like milk and yogurt.

Although there is limited research on the foods to avoid to prevent vitiligo, early research mentions that limiting your intake of high-fat foods, foods containing gluten, and foods that can promote inflammation, can help prevent depigmentation.

High-fat Foods: Limit your intake of fried foods, full-fat cheese, butter, and processed meat products that are loaded with fats. High-fat foods can worsen the symptoms of vitiligo and also cause the development of vitiligo symptoms.

A 2019 study suggests that a higher total fat intake was linked with a higher risk of vitiligo.⁽¹⁰⁾

Foods That Promote Inflammation: Vitiligo is possibly linked to the body’s inflammatory processes. So, you should avoid inflammation-promoting foods like processed snacks, fried foods, processed meat, sugary desserts, white bread, and alcohol.

Foods Containing Gluten: According to a couple of case reports it is explained that eliminating foods that contain gluten might help some individuals with vitiligo, especially if they also have celiac disease (which is an autoimmune disease triggered by gluten).⁽¹¹⁾ So, adopt a gluten-free diet if you want to improve your vitiligo symptoms.

Some limited research suggests that taking specific vitamins and mineral supplements can help prevent symptoms of vitiligo. Some of the supplements include Vitamin B12, Gigko biloba, turmeric, iron, copper, and zinc supplements.

Whether you have vitiligo or are willing to prevent it, you should protect your skin from sun damage, wounds, and burns. Vitiligo patches may spread or begin in areas of the skin that have been wounded. You should also try using products that do not contain harsh chemicals and are good for your skin.

Sp certain triggers can be the reason behind the worsening of your vitiligo symptoms. If you have vitiligo and experiencing your symptoms turning worse then consult with your healthcare provider and avoid the triggers that might be the reason behind the worsening of your symptoms.

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