My son and myself are suffering from vitiligo. We have been diagnosed about 2 1/2 years ago and have been researching information and trying various therapies since. We are on Dr. Thomas Matschurat's medication (a combination of vitamins and micronutrients) now. Combined with UV-radiation we were quite successful in gaining repigmentation. On recommendation of Dr. Matschurat we used the HelioVital filter film during our holidays last year. (There is a more comfortable sunshade solution, the HelioTent, available this year). It's a special filter, filtering all negative/dangerous UV radiation, letting through only the positive radiation which is needed for repigmentation. We were astonished about the great result: My son had big vitiligo spots around the eyes. They were gone after the holidays. Because it is filtering all dangerous radiation, we did not need to apply sunscreen. Regarding the sensitive skin of vitiligo patients and the related high risk of allergic reactions, I really appreciate this (and even my non-vitiligo husband does, as he is not crazy about creaming!). So all in all we did not risk sunburn, even though we did have extensive exposure to sun. We made the most effective use of our holidays in the sun, precious time for intiating longlasting repigmentation and filling up our vitamin D depot - both of which cannot be achieved when using sunscreen.
To sum up, from my experience it is a combination of diet, taking extra vitamin/supplements (Vitamin B 6, B 12, zink, etc.) and exposing yourself to sun. For the latter I can really recommend the filter. Although I know that repigmentation cannot work without exposure to sun, I was always afraid of the higher risk in skin cancer when exposing to sun. And especially if you are trying to find an effective, yet responsible way to treat your own child one has to think about this issue...
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