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| - Last Updated on December 17, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that a topical spray can cure vitiligo completely. This spray is claimed to be made from various herbal ingredients. We fact-checked and found this claim to be False.
The Claim
A Facebook video advertises a topical spray, claiming that its application can treat vitiligo, regardless of how long the person has been struggling with it. It further states that using the spray twice a day for four weeks can eliminate the condition.
We have attached the screenshot of the post below:
Fact Check
What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition in which white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. In some cases, the size of these patches gets bigger with time. It occurs due to the lack or improper functioning of melanin. Skin cells called melanocytes produces the pigment melanin which gives the skin its colour. Vitiligo can affect people of all skin types. But it is more common in people with black or brown skin. This disease is not life-threatening; however, it can leave some psychological and social impact on some people.
What is the treatment for vitiligo?
The treatment for vitiligo usually depends upon various factors, such as age, skin involvement, the progression of the disease, and its effect on your life. Various treatment modalities try to change the appearance of the skin by trying to restore its colour. However, a few treatment modalities are not permanent solutions and can’t always control their spread.
The doctor may recommend sunscreen, Vitamin D, skin camouflage options, steroids, etc. Other options for a dermatologist include medications, such as topical pimecrolimus or tacrolimus, phototherapy, skin grafts, depigmentation, laser, etc.
We have also seen claims like bamboo stem wax to cure vitiligo, which is false.
Can a topical spray cure vitiligo?
No. We cannot confirm whether the claimed topical spray is effective in curing vitiligo, as we have not come across any credible scientific studies or medical evidence to support its effectiveness. Also, we have not fact-checked the effectiveness of this spray. We have only fact-checked the marketing claims related to the product, especially their content.
That said, the video falsely shows the spray magically disappearing vitiligo, which is usually not the case. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes the loss of skin color in patches. Any medication or external application cannot cure vitiligo. Evidence shows that there is no cure for vitiligo. But there are treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease and restore some of the lost skin color.
We further researched and found that the video is promoting the Eelhoe Vitiligo Removal Relief Spray. However, the mentioned link on the claim redirects us to another product named, South Moon White Spot Spray. We have previously a similar marketing video in the claim topical spray cure lipoma. These advertisements doesn’t clearly explain how these products work. Instead, it seems they uses vagueness on purpose as a tactic. These ads try to overwhelm the viewer with many different claims probably with an aim to increase number of clicks and sales.
Also, we ran a Google reverse image search on the M.D. recommended certificate and found no image of the doctor or the certificate that could prove its credibility were found.
Besides this, the topical spray mentioned in the video is a blend of essential oils, claiming its use can improve the appearance of vitiligo. However, we found no scientific evidence that can support these claims. In fact, some products can irritate the skin and make vitiligo worse.
Dermatologist Dr Jyothy Kannangath informs, “There is no scientific research to back up this claim. Vitiligo, a disorder of pigmentation, occurs when the melanin (pigment) producing cells are damaged by our body’s immune cells. It can occur at any age and can present in various ways. As it’s basically an internal problem, the treatment needs to address that. So just by external application, we can’t expect the vitiligo to improve or get cured. Melanin production needs to be improved by oral medications like psoralens, and the disease activity needs to be controlled by immunosuppressants or immunomodulators.”
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