About 70 million people worldwide (1% of the population) are affected by vitiligo.1 Although this condition can’t be prevented and has no known cure, there are ways to manage symptoms and help prevent it from worsening.

The most common type of vitiligo is nonsegmental vitiligo, also called generalized vitiligo. Generalized vitiligo causes symmetrical white patches on both sides of the body. They often get larger over time as depigmentation progresses. Segmental vitiligo develops on one side of the face or body and usually stops progressing after one to two years.

Can You Prevent Vitiligo?

It’s not yet clear what causes vitiligo, but many researchers believe it is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is a condition that causes your immune system to attack your body’s normal, healthy cells.2 In the case of vitiligo, white blood cells destroy melanocytes (the skin cells that produce melanin).

Anyone can get vitiligo. However, people with the condition are more likely to have other autoimmune diseases. Up to 25% of people who have vitiligo have at least one other autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or autoimmune thyroid disease.

Vitiligo sometimes develops in areas of the skin that have experienced minor injuries or sunburn. It may also sometimes be triggered by emotional distress or chemical exposure.

Vitiligo isn’t currently preventable or curable. However, it may be possible to prevent future depigmentation and to return some amount of color to the skin by protecting your immune system and skin.

How to Prevent Vitiligo From Worsening

While vitiligo usually can’t be fully prevented, there are some ways that you can prevent it from getting worse. Usually, these methods are focused on boosting your immune system. This may help restore healthy melanocytes to the skin or prevent white patches from spreading.

Vitiligo prevention strategies may include diet, supplements, and skin protection.

Diet

Research on whether vitiligo can be prevented or reversed with diet is limited. There is no hard evidence that a particular “vitiligo diet” can stop you from developing the condition.

However, because vitiligo is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, it may be helpful to eat nutrient-dense foods that can help to boost your immune system.5 Here are some of the foods you should consider including in your diet for better vitiligo management and prevention.