Vitiligo

Why it works: Bottom line: there are no clinical trials showing rosehip oil repigments vitiligo or slows its spread. It is not recommended in expert vitiligo guidelines. Wiley Online Library. •...

Instructions: How to apply (general dermatology-style routine):. • Patch test first (inside forearm for several days; stop if itchy/red). American Academy of Dermatology. • Use 2–3 drops of a pl...

Warnings: Allergy/irritation: Any botanical oil can trigger irritant or allergic contact dermatitis—patch test...

Studies: Rosehip oil & skin (not vitiligo): small cosmetic-scienc...

Why it works: Vitiligo is driven by autoimmune inflammation that recruits CXCR3⁺ CD8 T-cells via the IFN-γ → CXCL9/10 axis; this injures melanocytes and blocks repigmentation. Omega-3s and their...

Instructions: There’s one small randomized, double-blind clinical trial that directly tested fish oil in vitiligo—topical application, not oral capsules:. • Topical fish oil vs. topical Nigella...

Warnings: First line remains dermatology-guided therapy (e.g., topical steroids/tacrolimus, ruxolitinib cream,...

Studies: Direct human data in vitiligoTopical fish oil RCT (Iran, n=5...

Why it works: Targets mechanisms implicated in vitiligo: Oxidative stress and immune dysregulation contribute to melanocyte loss in vitiligo. Standardized Ginkgo extracts have antioxidant and im...

Instructions: Formulation: Use a standardized Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (often labeled EGb 761 or equivalent), typically standardized to ~24% ginkgo-flavone glycosides and ~6% terpene lactones,...

Warnings: Ginkgo is not risk-free. Discuss with your dermatologist/GP before starting—especially if you take o...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (gold sta...

Why it works: Contains psoralens (furocoumarins) such as psoralen and isopsoralen, which are classic photosensitizers used in PUVA (psoralen + UVA) therapy. PUVA stimulates melanocyte proliferat...

Instructions: Because unregulated “babchi oil” or seed pastes vary hugely in psoralen content, dermatology guidelines recommend controlled PUVA with standardized psoralens, not crude plant prepa...

Warnings: Severe phototoxic burns & eye injury with DIY “babchi oil + sun” (self-prescribed photochemotherapy)...

Studies: About psoralens/PUVA (the core mechanism relevant to P. cory...

Why it works: Oxidative stress + keratinocyte support. In vitiligo, oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling in perilesional keratinocytes contribute to melanocyte loss. In vitro work using k...

Instructions: Topical turmeric cream (monotherapy). • What: A turmeric cream (concentration not specified in abstract) vs. placebo on opposite sides of the same lesion.. • How often / how long:...

Warnings: Allergic/contact dermatitis & staining: Topical turmeric can irritate or stain skin and fabrics; pat...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot (n=24): T...

Why it works: Stimulates melanocyte activity and repigmentation—especially with UV. In animals and reconstructed-skin models, piperine and black-pepper extracts promote melanocyte proliferation...

Instructions: Piperine cream + NB-UVB (observational protocol, Italy, 2021–2022). • Topical: piperine-based cream (Cromovit® forte) twice daily for 7 months.. • Phototherapy: clinic NB-UVB twice...

Warnings: Not a licensed vitiligo drug. As of 2024–2025, piperine isn’t an FDA-approved treatment for vitiligo...

Studies: Human dataDouble-blind RCT: Topical piperine + NB-UVB was su...

Why it works: Psoralens (from Psoralea corylifolia or as medicines like methoxsalen) make skin photosensitive to UVA. When combined with controlled UVA exposure (PUVA), this can stimulate melano...

Instructions: Typical medical PUVA framework (summarised from guidelines):. • Drug: Oral 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP, methoxsalen) or topical psoralen, prescribed by a clinician.. • Timing: Oral do...

Warnings: Whether you’re considering PUVA or psoralea-containing “Bai Dian Feng” products, safety is critical:...

Studies: Randomized trials comparing PUVA to NB-UVB: Multiple RCTs sh...

Why it works: TCM rationale. The pair Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus) + Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala) is typically used to “tonify qi” and support spleen/immune regulation in TCM. Vitil...

Instructions: Work with a licensed TCM practitioner who can diagnose your pattern and determine whether a Huang Qi/Bai Zhu-based decoction is appropriate, often alongside guideline-supported der...

Warnings: Because the proposed formula centers on Astragalus and Atractylodes, apply the following ingredient-...

Studies: No randomized trials or prospective clinical studies specifi...