Skin is the most essential sense organ of our body. Having beautiful skin is everyone’s dream. Melanin is the pigment present in our skin that gives color to the skin (alongside it is also responsible for the hair and eyes). Sometimes, when there is a gradual loss of melanin pigment, it causes white patches or Vitiligo or Leucoderma. But according to Ayurveda, it is called Shwitra or Shweta Kushta. Ayurveda says Vata and prajakpita are set on the skin, then there is an imbalance in the doshas of vatta and pitta.
If we talk about Vitiligo, it is basically a chronic disorder. According to the medical studies, skin loses its normal color, which causes white patches on the skin. As we have mentioned above, Vitiligo is also known as Leucoderma, and the term refers to Leuco- White and Derma- Skin.
This can be seen in any age group and to any person, and it is once seen and never forgotten. Also, it may affect any part of your body, like your mouth, hair, and eyes, and can vary from person to person.
In this article, we’ll delve deep into the causes, remedies, and Ayurvedic Treatment for Vitiligo.
Vitiligo Can Be Classified Into Two Types
- Segmented Vitiligo– In this type, the Vitiligo tends to spread fast but is stable than the other type. It is asymmetrical and affects some specific portions of the skin, which are linked to nerves that originate in the dorsal roots along the spinal cord.
- Non-Segmental Vitiligo – This kind of Vitiligo occurs on an equal portion of the body, such as arms, neck, and face, and mainly affects the area that is exposed to the sun frequently.
Causes of Vitiligo or Leucoderma
However, we are still deprived of the actual cause of Vitiligo, but it is to be said that the disease occurs when the immune cells mistakenly attack the normal cells and tissues of the body, resulting in their destruction.
Other causes of Vitiligo include sunburns and emotional distress. It could be possible that the disease runs in your family and is genetic.
Ayurveda offers the best treatment for Vitiligo that corrects the underlying cause of the illness and provides long-term relief. Patients who believe in natural treatment should opt for the ayurvedic herbal treatment, which is aimed at managing the symptoms by eliminating the root cause. The Ayurvedic therapy combines the use of herbs, the Ayurvedic diet, and panchakarma therapy.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Vitiligo and Leucoderma
Ayurhealing opens the door for the Ayurveda treatment of Vitiligo.
Bakuchi (Psoralea Corylifolia): Bakuchi is the most commonly used ayurvedic medication for reducing Vitiligo. It slowly and gradually decreases the appearance of the white patches and rejuvenates the skin.
Powders of different ayurvedic herbs like khadir (skin) powder, chitrak (root) powder, jatamansi (root) powder, and aamalaki (fruit) powder. This ayurvedic powder, plus Phototherapy (natural) and panchakarma, gives high results in vitiligo patients.
Manjistha (Rubia Cordifolia): The patients who are really anxious about Vitiligo and looking for a permanent cure can rely on Manjistha. This herb possesses several strong properties that are beneficial in the management of various diseases, including Vitiligo. It helps to restore the normal skin color and prevents the progression of the skin.
Neem (Azadirachta Indica): Neem has various antioxidant properties that help to reduce the symptoms of vitiligo by destroying the free radicals in the body. It can also protect melanocytes against the damage caused by the free radicals and prevent Vitiligo from worsening.
Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula): Haritaki is another commonly used ayurvedic medicine for Vitiligo or Leucoderma. It removes the free radicals that cause damage to the melanocytes and acts as an antioxidant. Patients suffering from Vitiligo can also face depression and anxiety, which can also be prevented by Haritaki. Thus, to use haritaki is highly recommended in the severe cases of Vitiligo. The patients who are at higher risk of developing psychological complications should opt for Haritaki.
Giloe (Tinospora Cordifolia): Giloe is the best treatment for not merely Vitiligo but also for many small and big health issues. You can find it readily near your homes and rural areas. It prevents the destruction of the melanocytes by the immune cells, which helps to minimize the symptoms of vitiligo.
Khadira (Acacia Catechu): People often think and ask the question Is the disease curable in early stages? The answer is yes, it can be cured with the help of the herb Khadira. This herb is the best remedy to cure the disease if it is in the initial stage. This herb has the potential to reduce the white patches present on the skin and help to cure them as soon as possible if used regularly.
Diet and lifestyle
When we try to control Vitiligo, the first line of management is to detox our system. We need to prevent further accumulation of toxins in our system, for which diet plays a very important role. So avoid all processed frozen foodstuffs from your daily intakes and make sure to take a lot of fruits, nuts, and also drink a lot of water.
- Try to take some bitter items in taste, like a bitter guard, drumsticks, and others to prevent the imbalance.
- Also, you need to keep some distance from the foods that are difficult to digest, along with sour taste, excessive salt, curd, fish, jaggery, and sesame seeds.
- You need to avoid the consumption of opposite foods like fish and milk together.
- Having sound and adequate sleep daily is a must for your health.
- Do not come in direct contact with cold and sunlight, and if necessary, then apply sunscreen to the areas that are mainly exposed to the sun. Drinking water from a copper vessel is also a way to get rid of Vitiligo.
Ayurhealing, one of the best ayurvedic hospitals in Bangalore, serves Vitiligo and Leucoderma sufferers and has a global presence online through which it has well treated thousands of Vitiligo patients across India. At Ayurhealing, Dr. Mini Nair, the founder and chief physician, concentrates her focus on the treatment of white patches through her research on unique herbal formulations. Dr. Mini Nair, as one of the best ayurveda doctors in Bangalore, guides vitiligo patients regarding their diet and lifestyle for faster and effective treatment results.