Summary

Vitiligo is a condition where white patches appear on the skin.  This is caused as melanocytes, the cells of the skin that produce melanin, no longer produce this source of color in the skin.  Why melanocytes die or stop producing is not yet known but some suspect that it may be autoimmune related.

The condition happens with all skin colors.  It usually starts in one small area and grows over time.

Oils, blends & products recommended:

Oils & Blends:  bergamot

Essential oils based products: AromaTouch Technique, GX Assist, PB Assist, Zendocrine tablets and oil.

Also consider: frankincense, lavender, myrrh, sandalwood

Suggested protocols:

Consider topical application of bergamot to the areas 1 -2 times daily.  Be caution about exposing the area to sunlight since bergamot, like all citrus oil, is photosensitive.

Also, since there are some indications that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, consider cleanses such as GX Assist/PB Assist and zendocrine and the AromaTouch Technique.

Experiences and Testimonials of others

Kari - My friends little girl was just diagnosed with Vitiligo yesterday.  I looked it up in my book and told her what oils doTerra recommends she uses and where she would rub them.  She is very leary about them.  But I talked her into coming to our class tonight and getting a free sample.  She asked me if she used this oil if the pigment would come back in her little girls skin?  Any ideas?  Let me know.  Thanks!

Brooke - I don't know much about it - but I remember bergamot being suggested by Dr. Hill at last year’s convention for Vitiligo.  I don't know if it brings the pigment back, or if it stops the disease from spreading further - just from my notes.

Rob – Yes but be careful bergamot is photosensitive.  Skin exposure to sunlight or ultra violet light that has bergamot or other citrus oils can cause serious problems for up to 12 hours after being applied.  Because it is an autoimmune issue, I would suggest lavender and frankincense applied twice daily with a carrier or vitamin E if you like.  Try on a less conspicuous area initially.  As it might also be an immune issue that can be treated from the inside consider  GX Assist or other cleansings.

Lori B. - Hi, I've had vitiligo since I was 18 and I'm now in my late 40's. Unfortunately I have not found an essential oil (or anything else for that matter) that has worked for this particular problem.  I did discuss this problem with Dr. Hill on one of his visits, prior to doTerra introducing bergamot, and he said that he had not found anything that would help vitiligo.  I have not tried the bergamot yet because of the photosensitivity issue, also I'm not quite sure if I should use it just topically or internally. 

I know how frustrating vitiligo is since any contact longer than about a half hour with direct sunlight causes sunburn on the affected areas.  My husband just recently heard a study that mentioned how originally it was thought that vitiligo sufferers were more prone to skin cancer but the latest studies have revealed just the opposite.  Apparently there is something in our metabolism that helps us fight cancer!

I would encourage your friend to start treating this early because the longer you have vitiligo the more aggressive it seems to get.  I still have a lot of natural pigment in my skin but I know several people who have lost all of their pigment.  I wish that I knew when I first got vitiligo what I know now, I would have been very aggressive in treating it from the beginning.

Sunny - About a year ago I noticed light spots on my arms.  I suspected it was vitiligo but it was not officially diagnosed as such.  I remembered at the introduction of doTerra bergamot oil that Dr. Hill had mentioned it as a help for vitiligo.  About six weeks ago I began faithfully applying it topically to these spots every morning.  They are almost gone now.  By the way, I also use the Life Long Vitality supplements regularly along with periodic GX Assist and Zendocrine cleanses.  Maybe it all has helped.

Protocols folks recommend for children

Diet and Nutritional complements to essential oils

What Science & Research are saying

From: British Journal of Dermatology, Original Study by King’s College London

Vitiligo is estimated to affect about one in 100 people. Current treatments include corticosteroids applied to the skin, and phototherapy using UV radiation (UVR) to re-pigment the skin.  However, less than a quarter of patients respond successfully to corticosteroids.  And UVR causes a re-pigmentation that is spotted and patchy and in the long-term could lead to a higher risk of skin cancer.

The King's team examined the effects of piperine, and its synthetic derivatives, when applied to the skin of mice, either alone or followed by UVR.  Used alone, piperine and two of its derivatives stimulated pigmentation to an even, light brown color within six weeks.

Combination therapy.

Combining the treatment with UVR the skin became darker still. The effect was achieved much faster than using UVR treatment alone, and lasted longer.  In addition, the combined therapy gave a much more even pigmentation than UVR alone, which can often result in a patchy appearance.

The researchers believe that piperine stimulates the production of the skin’s pigment cells, called melanocytes.  Researcher Professor Antony Young said: "We have shown that topical treatment with piperine stimulates even pigmentation in the skin.  "Combining this with UVR significantly enhances the pigmentation with   results that are cosmetically better than conventional vitiligo therapies."

Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: "Vitiligo is a highly visible disease that can greatly affect patients psychologically and emotionally. Any breakthrough in treatments of this disease is most welcome."

"These findings could potentially lead to the development of treatments that not only provide improved results, but could also reduce the need for UV radiation in vitiligo treatment, in turn lowering the risk of skin cancer."