The sun is back, tips and recommendations for vitiligo patients

The sun takes centre stage once again with the arrival of spring, and with it come its benefits and detriments for vitiligo patients.

Sunburn can trigger vitiligo in patients predisposed to the disorder. Vitiligo patients must be careful and use solar protection.

This, added to the fact that the sun makes white patches more visible, and to the lack of pigment that makes the skin more vulnerable, leads us to affirm that solar protection is essential for people with vitiligo.

Despite this, it should be remembered that the sun is beneficial for vitiligo patients, as it stimulates the production of melanin and boosts the thickening of the epidermis, the skin’s external layer. However, it should be enjoyed with precaution, controlling exposure times and using a sunscreen that is suitable for each skin type.

To even out the aspect of the skin, the use of a medium sunscreen is recommended (15-30) for areas with vitiligo patches, and a factor-50 sunscreen for the rest of the skin. This will produce a more uniform tone.

If you want to boost the effects of sun exposure and its capacity to stimulate the production of melanin, use photosensitising products.

At Abedul Laboratorios Farmacéuticos we have a range of photosensitising products, Fenadul, both for oral Fenadul capsules and topical application Fenadul.

These solutions provide de-pigmented skin with the essential amino acid L-Phenylalanine, one of the components involved in the production of melanin, essential in vitiligo treatment.