Oxidative stress and vitiligo, close enemies

Oxidative stress is closely linked to vitiligo, as it worsens damage to melanocytes, which stop producing melanin.

Oxidative stress occurs when there are not enough antioxidants present in our bodies to compensate the effect of free radicals. As a result, oxidative activity inside the cells increases, causing a structural and functional change to the cell itself, speeding up ageing and fostering the death of cells.

Antioxidants work by neutralising free radicals and stimulating the skin’s natural protection, thus activating melanin production. To treat vitiligo, antioxidants are used topically and orally, such as the superoxide dismutase (SOD) present in Meladul.

Remember that a combination of actions must be taken to effectively treat vitiligo. On the one hand, phototherapy, and on the other hand, the combination of melanin enhancers such as phenylalanine (orally or topically administered using gel) and antioxidants (vitamins E, C, etc.), which combat the oxidative stress of melanocytes, encouraging cell recovery.

The use of the various vitiligo treatments and their possible combinations depends on the activity of the illness, its extent, location, the age and lifestyle of the patient, etc.