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VITILIGO • A disease that causes the loss of skin color in blotches. • It can affect the skin on any part of your body. • It may also affect hair and the inside of the mouth. • Normally, the color of hair and skin is determined by melanin. Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning. Vitiligo affects people of all skin types, but it may be more noticeable in people with darker skin. • The condition is not life-threatening or contagious. It can be stressful or make you feel bad about yourself. SYMPTOMS • Patchy loss of skin color • Premature whitening or graying of the hair on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or beard • Loss of color in the tissues that line the inside of your mouth and nose (mucous membranes) • Loss of or change in color of the inner layer of the eyeball (retina) • Vitiligo can start at any age, but often appears before age 20. Only one side or part of your body. This type, called segmental vitiligo, tends to occur at a younger age, progress for a year or two, and then stop. One or only a few areas of your body. This type is called localized (focal) vitiligo. LIFESTYLE CHANGES: • There is no doubt that having vitiligo can make you depressed and upset. Hence, it is important to manage stress levels and maintain a healthy mind. • Get adequate exposure to sunlight. This stimulates regimentation. The melanocytes in the skin tend to produce melanin when exposed to sunlight. This facilitates darkening of the skin to protect it from getting burned. • Get enough sleep. The human mind needs to rest for at least 7 hours every day to function properly. • Eat tasty and nutritious foods. • Revive an old hobby or pick a new one. • Avoid negative people and negative thoughts. Foods to Avoid • Fruits – Gooseberry, orange, pineapple, lemon, lime, melon, watermelon, grapes, papaya, guava, grapefruit, pear, tamarind, and any fruit that has a good amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C inhibits the formation of pigments. Therefore, avoid consuming it. • Vegetables – Eggplant, tomato, green chili, onion, and garlic. • Protein – Beef, pork, and fish. • Dairy – Milk, curd, and buttermilk. • Beverages – Carbonated and sweetened drinks, packaged fruit juices, coffee, vitamin C-rich fresh fruit juices, and alcohol. • Spices – Turmeric • Others – Avoid oily, spicy, processed, packaged, and canned foods. Avoid consuming wafers, pickles, and chocolates.