Often times, in the excitement of trying something new to help our vitiligo, we forget the importance of consulting with a doctor or nurse to make sure it is safe. It’s important to make sure that the thing you’re going to try is itself safe, but also if there could be any interaction complications with medicines you’re currently taking. It’s easy to check, you don’t have to go into the doctor’s office, just give them a call.depigmenting, remove color from skin, natural vitiligo treatment, vitamin D
If you’re considering the use of a product to remove the remaining pigment from your skin, do consult your doctor to check the ingredients. And, if you’re wondering about the ability of a person who is completely depigmented to properly synthesize vitamin D, the answer to that question is yes. Vitiligo only damages the melanocytes, and vitamin D synthesis occurs in the keratinocytes.
Another consideration for those who are either depigmented, or in the process of depigmenting, would be how conscientious they are about protecting their skin from sunlight.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, very few people apply the recommended amount of sunscreen, which is 1 ounce (enough to fill a shot glass), or, apply as often as is recommended, which is every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
So, if you are relying solely on sunscreen for sun protection, and you do not closely follow the recommended application amount or frequency guidelines, then it is not likely that sunscreen alone would cause vitamin D deficiency.
However, your vitamin D levels could be suppressed if: you routinely apply sunscreen as recommended, wear sun protective clothing, and avoid direct sunlight during peak times.
Other Risk Factors for Vitamin D Deficiency Include:depigmenting, remove color from skin, natural vitiligo treatment, vitamin D
- Darker skin: Darker pigment acts as a natural sunscreen
- Those over the age of 50: As the body ages, it loses some of its ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight
- Breastfed infants that do not receive vitamin D supplementation
- Those with a disease or condition contributing to malabsorption, such as: celiac disease, chronic liver disease, chronic pancreatitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, gastrointestinal surgery, alcoholism, type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, autoimmune liver disease or rheumatoid arthritis
- Those with autoimmune diseases, particularly autoimmune thyroiditis
- Body Weight: Those with excess body fat have lower vitamin D levels, so those who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency
Research has shown an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency in many conditions associated with vitiligo. Therefore, it would be wise for all vitiligo patients to include regular vitamin D testing.depigmenting, remove color from skin, natural vitiligo treatment, vitamin