Vitiligo due to stress: the mystery behind white spots on the skin
One day, you wake up, look in the mirror, and there they are. Those little white spots on your skin that weren't there before.
You feel worried, confused, and even embarrassed to be seen like this. You think, What is happening to me?
Stress vitiligo is real and in this article we are going to break down how it happens and how to overcome it.
What is vitiligo?
A condition in which the skin loses its natural color in certain areas, leaving white patches. It often affects more visible areas such as the face, neck, hands, elbows, knees and feet, although it can appear anywhere on the body:
It can also affect other areas:
- Premature graying of the scalp
- White or grey eyelashes or eyebrows
- Beard bleaching
- Loss of color in the mucous membranes.
- Loss of color in the retinas
It is not contagious or infectious. But it is frustrating and can be self-conscious, especially for women who like to have beautiful skin.
Why does vitiligo appear due to stress?
You've probably experienced it: kids who never stop, your boss who puts pressure on you, your partner who is demanding, and responsibilities that keep piling up.
It's that overwhelming feeling that seems to have no end, it directly affects your skin, causing problems like vitiligo.
It's like your body is saying, "Enough is enough!" and your skin is responding with spots.
It happens like this:
- Your immune system is like an army that protects your body.
- When you're stressed, that army can get confused and start attacking your own cells, including the ones that give your skin its color.
- These cells, called melanocytes, produce melanin, the pigment responsible for your skin color.
- When stress interferes, melanocytes may stop functioning properly, leading to the appearance of white spots characteristic of vitiligo.
It's not that stress is the only culprit. Vitiligo is a complex condition of many factors, including genetic predisposition, autoimmune diseases, deficiency of certain vitamins such as B12, folic acid, copper and zinc.
What can you do about it?
Now that you know stress can be a factor, what can you do?
Here are some tips to help you manage stress and give your skin the support it needs:
- Practice deep breathing – a few minutes a day can help you reduce your body’s stress response.
- Do meditation and yoga : they calm the mind and also help balance your hormones.
- Get a good night's sleep : Getting a deep night's sleep helps your body recover and repair itself.
- Vitamin B12 and folate : not only have calming effects on the nervous system, but combined with sun exposure, they help repigmentation.
- Follow a paleo/autoimmune diet: It will help your immune system and gut, reducing inflammation. Eliminate irritating foods like grains, dairy, and processed foods and emphasize fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and fish.
- Consult a health professional : If you notice white spots on your skin, it is important to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.
Stress vitiligo is a reminder of how connected your mind and body are.
While you can't eliminate all stress from your life, you can take steps to better manage it and protect your overall health, including your skin.
Important: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice. If you have any health conditions, please consult your doctor.
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